Portuguese Phrase
A gente precisa de uma cadeira alta.
Meaning
The sentence means “We need a high chair.” It uses the informal collective pronoun “a gente” and the verb “precisar” with the preposition “de”. The noun “cadeira” (chair) is modified by the adjective “alta” (tall/high).
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversation with friends, family, or coworkers when you’re talking about furniture or a specific need for a taller seat – for example, when setting up a space for a child or a taller person.
✦Grammar Breakdown
A genteprecisadeumacadeiraalta
A gente
Informal first‑person plural pronoun that takes third‑person singular verb agreement.
precisar de
The verb precisar is transitive and always requires the preposition de before the object.
Adjective position
In Portuguese most adjectives follow the noun; “cadeira alta” (tall chair) is the natural order.
🗨In Conversation
A gente precisa de uma cadeira alta para o bebê comer.
We need a high chair for the baby to eat.
Vou comprar uma na loja de móveis amanhã.
I'll buy one at the furniture store tomorrow.
✕Common Mistakes
Nós precisamos de uma cadeira alta.
In informal Brazilian speech you would say “A gente” instead of the more formal “Nós”.
A gente precisa uma cadeira alta.
The verb “precisar” always needs the preposition “de” before the object.
A gente precisa de uma alta cadeira.
Adjectives normally follow the noun; placing the adjective before the noun sounds unnatural unless you’re emphasizing a quality.
↔Alternatives
Precisamos de uma cadeira alta.
We need a high chair.
Precisamos de uma cadeira mais alta.
We need a taller chair.
A gente precisa de uma cadeira alta aqui.
We need a high chair here.
Cultural Tip
“A gente” is extremely common in Brazil and gives a friendly, informal tone. In Portugal people tend to use “nós” in the same context. Remember that the verb still stays in the third‑person singular (precisa), not the first‑person plural (precisamos).