Portuguese Phrase
Você tem que ir?
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask if someone is required to leave or if they have a necessity to depart. It combines the pronoun 'você' with the idiomatic expression 'ter que', which signifies obligation or duty.
When to use
Use this phrase in social settings when someone starts to say goodbye or looks like they are preparing to leave. It is appropriate for friends, family, and casual work environments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêtemqueir
Ter que
The combination of 'ter' and 'que' followed by an infinitive is the most common way to express obligation, similar to 'have to' in English.
Você
In Brazil, 'você' is the standard way to say 'you' and it always takes the third-person singular form of the verb.
🗨In Conversation
Já está ficando tarde, preciso pegar o ônibus.
It's getting late, I need to catch the bus.
Você tem que ir? Fica mais um pouco!
Do you have to go? Stay a little longer!
✕Common Mistakes
Você tem ir?
In Portuguese, the verb 'ter' must be followed by 'que' when expressing an obligation before another verb.
Você precisa que ir?
Unlike 'ter que', the verb 'precisar' (to need) is followed directly by the infinitive without 'que'.
↔Alternatives
Você precisa ir?
Do you need to go?
Já vai?
Are you leaving already?
Você tem que sair agora?
Do you have to leave now?
Cultural Tip
In many Lusophone cultures, especially in Brazil, departures are often prolonged. Asking 'Você tem que ir?' is frequently a way to show you value the person's company, and it is common for the host to follow up by asking them to stay a bit longer.