Portuguese Phrase
Qual saída eu tenho que pegar?
Meaning
The speaker is asking which exit they need to take. It is a direct way to request directions inside a building, subway station, airport, or any place with multiple exits.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are inside a complex space (mall, train station, office building, etc.) and you need to know the correct exit to reach your destination. It works both in formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Qualsaídaeutenhoquepegar?
Qual (interrogative adjective)
Used before a noun to ask 'which' or 'what', and agrees in gender and number with the noun.
saída (noun, feminine)
Means 'exit' or 'way out'. It is a feminine noun, so articles and adjectives must match.
eu (personal pronoun)
The subject pronoun 'I'. In Portuguese it is often optional, but it is kept here for clarity.
tenho (verb ter, 1st person singular)
Present‑indicative of 'ter' meaning 'to have'. In the construction 'tenho que + infinitive' it expresses obligation.
que (conjunction)
Introduces the infinitive clause after 'tenho', equivalent to 'that' or 'to' in English.
pegar (infinitive verb)
Means 'to take', 'to catch', or 'to grab'. Here it refers to taking a particular exit.
🗨In Conversation
Qual saída eu tenho que pegar?
Which exit do I have to take?
Você tem que pegar a saída da esquerda, logo depois da escada.
You have to take the exit on the left, right after the stairs.
✕Common Mistakes
Qual saída eu tenho pegar?
The conjunction 'que' is required after 'tenho' to link the infinitive.
Qual saída eu tenho que pego?
After 'que' you must use the infinitive form 'pegar', not the conjugated 'pego'.
Qual saída eu devo pegar?
While not wrong, this changes the nuance from an obligation ('tenho que') to a suggestion ('devo'). Use according to the context.
↔Alternatives
Qual saída devo pegar?
Which exit should I take?
Qual caminho eu devo seguir?
Which way should I go?
Para onde devo ir?
Where should I go?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, people often point to the exit while saying the phrase, especially in busy places like airports or metro stations. The word 'saída' is used for doors, gates, and even highway exits. If you want to sound extra polite, add 'por favor' at the end: 'Qual saída eu tenho que pegar, por favor?'. Also note that 'tenho que' expresses a necessity, while 'devo' sounds a bit more formal or advisory.