Portuguese Phrase
Preciso de água.
Meaning
A simple statement meaning ‘I need water.’ It is used whenever the speaker is thirsty or requires water for any immediate purpose, such as after exercising, during a meal, or when traveling.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal or semi‑formal situations when you want to ask for water, either from a friend, a waiter, or a colleague. It works well in restaurants, at home, or in public places like parks and gyms.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Precisodeágua
Preciso (verb)
First‑person singular present of the verb precisar ‘to need’; it is a regular -ar verb.
de (preposition)
The verb precisar is followed by the preposition de, which introduces the thing needed.
água (noun)
Feminine noun meaning ‘water’; note the acute accent on the first a, which signals the stressed syllable.
🗨In Conversation
Preciso de água.
I need water.
Claro, aqui está.
Sure, here you go.
✕Common Mistakes
Preciso água.
The verb precisar always takes the preposition de before the object.
Preciso de água?
Without a rising intonation or a question word, this becomes a statement, not a question. Use a question mark only if you really mean ‘Do you need water?’
Preciso de água muito.
‘Muito’ should follow the noun: ‘Preciso de muita água’ (a lot of water).
↔Alternatives
Quero água.
I want water.
Preciso de um copo de água.
I need a glass of water.
Preciso de água, por favor.
I need water, please.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil it is common to ask for water directly with ‘Preciso de água’ or more politely with ‘Água, por favor.’ When ordering at a restaurant, you can also say ‘Um copo de água, por favor.’ Remember that ‘água’ is feminine, so adjectives that modify it (e.g., ‘água gelada’) must agree in gender.