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Portuguese Phrase

Precisamos chegar cedo.

/pɾe.ziˈka.mus ʃeˈɡaɾ ˈse.du/
Meaning"We need to arrive early."
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Meaning

The sentence expresses a collective necessity to be at a destination before the usual or expected time. It can refer to any situation where being early is important, such as catching a bus, attending a meeting, or meeting friends.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you and at least one other person are planning to go somewhere and you want to stress the importance of not being late. It works in both formal and informal contexts, from business meetings to casual outings.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Precisamoschegarcedo

1

Precisamos

First‑person plural present of "precisar" (to need). It is a regular -ar verb and does not require a preposition before another infinitive.

2

Infinitive after "precisar"

When "precisar" expresses necessity, it is directly followed by another verb in the infinitive (e.g., "precisar estudar").

3

Cedo

Adverb meaning "early". It modifies the verb "chegar" and does not change form.

🗨In Conversation

A

Precisamos chegar cedo.

We need to arrive early.

Sim, o ônibus sai às oito e a reunião começa às oito e meia.

Yes, the bus leaves at eight and the meeting starts at eight thirty.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Precisamos de chegar cedo.

    The verb "precisar" meaning "to need" does not take the preposition "de" when followed by another infinitive.

  • Precisamos chegar o cedo.

    Learners sometimes add an article: "chegar o cedo", which is incorrect. The adverb "cedo" stands alone.

  • Precisamos chegar cedo.

    If you mean "I need to arrive early", use the singular form "Preciso chegar cedo". Using "Precisamos" with a singular subject is a mismatch.

↔Alternatives

  • Temos que chegar cedo.

    We have to arrive early.

  • É preciso chegar cedo.

    It is necessary to arrive early.

  • Devemos chegar cedo.

    We should arrive early.

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, punctuality is valued but the concept of "Brazilian time" can be flexible. In professional settings, arriving a few minutes early is seen as respectful, while social gatherings may be more relaxed. Using "precisamos" signals a shared responsibility, which is common in group planning.