Portuguese Phrase
Tô pensando em pegar algo.
Meaning
This informal sentence means “I’m thinking about getting something.” The speaker is weighing the idea of taking or obtaining an unspecified item, which could be food, a drink, a souvenir, etc. The tone is casual and the exact object is left open.
When to use
Use it in everyday conversation with friends, family, or colleagues when you want to express a fleeting idea or plan without committing to a specific action. It’s perfect for coffee breaks, shopping trips, or when you’re undecided about what to order.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tôpensandoempegaralgo
Tô (colloquial)
"Tô" is the informal contraction of "estou", the first‑person singular of the verb "estar" used in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
Pensando (gerúndio)
"Pensando" is the gerund form of "pensar" and expresses an ongoing thought or consideration.
Pensar + em
The verb "pensar" is followed by the preposition "em" when the object is a verb or an idea (e.g., "pensar em fazer").
Pegar (infinitivo)
"Pegar" is an infinitive meaning "to take", "to grab" or "to get"; context decides the exact nuance.
Algo (pronome indefinido)
"Algo" means "something"; it is an indefinite pronoun used when the speaker does not specify the item.
🗨In Conversation
Tô pensando em pegar algo.
I’m thinking about getting something.
Que tal um pastel de carne?
How about a meat pastel?
✕Common Mistakes
Tô pensando a pegar algo.
The verb "pensar" requires the preposition "em" before an infinitive or noun.
Tô pensando em pegar algo, senhor.
Avoid using "tô" in formal contexts; use "estou" instead.
Tô pensando em pegar um livro na livraria.
If you mean "to buy", use "comprar"; "pegar" usually means "to take" or "to grab".
↔Alternatives
Estou pensando em pegar algo.
I’m thinking about getting something.
Vou pegar alguma coisa.
I’ll get something.
Estou pensando em comprar algo.
I’m thinking about buying something.
Cultural Tip
The contraction "tô" is ubiquitous in informal Brazilian Portuguese, especially in the Southeast (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro). It’s perfectly natural in spoken language but should be avoided in formal writing or professional emails, where the full form "estou" is preferred. Also, "pegar" can mean "to take" or "to grab" rather than "to buy"; choose "comprar" if you specifically mean a purchase.