Portuguese Phrase
Que info é essencial?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the most important pieces of information in a given context. It’s a direct, concise way to request the key data needed to make a decision or understand a situation.
When to use
Use this question in meetings, study groups, project kick‑offs, or any situation where you need to pinpoint the core facts. It works well in both informal and semi‑formal settings, especially when you want a quick, focused answer.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Queinfoéessencial?
Que (interrogative)
Used to ask 'what' or 'which' in a question; it agrees with the noun that follows.
info (colloquial abbreviation)
Short for 'informação'; common in informal spoken Portuguese.
é (ser, 3ª pessoa singular)
Present tense of the verb 'ser' used for essential, permanent qualities.
essencial (adjective)
Means 'essential' or 'crucial'; it does not change form for gender or number.
🗨In Conversation
Que info é essencial?
What info is essential?
Precisamos dos números de vendas e do feedback dos clientes.
We need the sales numbers and the customers' feedback.
✕Common Mistakes
Que info são essencial?
The verb must agree with the singular subject 'info', so use 'é' not 'são'.
Que informação é essencial?
While correct, using the full word in a very informal setting can sound stiff; choose based on register.
Que info é essenciais?
The adjective 'essencial' does not change for number; keep it singular.
↔Alternatives
Quais informações são essenciais?
Which information is essential?
Que dados são indispensáveis?
What data are indispensable?
O que é fundamental saber?
What is fundamental to know?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'info' is widely used in casual conversation, but in more formal contexts (e.g., business reports) you should use 'informação' or 'dados'. In Portugal the abbreviation is less common, so opting for the full word sounds more natural there. Also, remember that 'essencial' never changes for gender or number, so you can use it with both singular and plural nouns without modification.