Portuguese Phrase
A gente precisa checar os antecedentes.
Meaning
The sentence means “We need to check the background(s).” It is commonly used when someone wants to verify a person’s or an entity’s past records, such as criminal history, employment history, or credit information.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal or semi‑formal settings—team meetings, a conversation with a colleague, or when discussing a hiring process. It sounds natural in Brazil’s workplace culture where "a gente" replaces "nós" in everyday speech.
✦Grammar Breakdown
A genteprecisachecarosantecedentes
A gente (informal we)
"A gente" is an informal way to say "we" in Brazilian Portuguese; it takes third‑person singular verb agreement.
Verb agreement with A gente
Because "a gente" is grammatically singular, the verb follows the third‑person singular form (precisa, não precisamos).
Checar (to check)
"Checar" is a colloquial verb borrowed from English; in formal contexts Brazilians often prefer "verificar".
Definite article with antecedentes
When speaking about specific background records, use the definite article "os" before "antecedentes".
🗨In Conversation
A gente precisa checar os antecedentes antes de fechar o contrato.
We need to check the background before finalizing the contract.
Claro, já vou solicitar o relatório ao RH.
Sure, I’ll request the report from HR right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Nós precisamos checar os antecedentes.
Grammatically correct but sounds too formal for everyday speech; replace "nós" with "a gente" for a natural tone.
A gente precisa checar antecedentes.
Missing the definite article; "os antecedentes" specifies the particular records you’re referring to.
A gente precisa checar os antecedentes.
Using "checar" in a very formal report can feel colloquial; consider "verificar" instead.
↔Alternatives
Precisamos verificar os antecedentes.
We need to verify the background(s).
Temos que checar os antecedentes.
We have to check the background(s).
É preciso checar os antecedentes.
It is necessary to check the background(s).
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, "a gente" is the go‑to informal pronoun for "we" and is preferred over "nós" in casual conversation. However, in very formal documents or presentations, switch to "nós" and the plural verb form (precisamos). Also, while "checar" is widely understood, some older professionals may consider "verificar" more appropriate in formal written Portuguese.