Portuguese Phrase
Pra sublocar, precisa que o dono aprove.
Meaning
The sentence means “To sublet, you need the owner’s approval.” It emphasizes that subletting a property is not allowed unless the landlord explicitly gives permission.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing rental agreements, especially when you want to explain the legal or contractual step required before you can sublet a place to someone else.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Prasublocar,precisaqueodonoaprove.
Pra (para)
"Pra" is the informal contraction of "para" and is common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
Infinitive verb
"Sublocar" is the infinitive form meaning “to sublet” (rent a property to another tenant).
Precisa que + subjunctive
When a verb of necessity (precisar, precisar de, ser necessário) is followed by "que", the verb in the subordinate clause must be in the subjunctive mood.
Subjunctive of aprovar
The present subjunctive of "aprovar" is "aprove"; using the indicative "aprova" would be grammatically incorrect here.
🗨In Conversation
Eu quero sublocar o apartamento que estou alugando.
I want to sublet the apartment I'm renting.
Pra sublocar, precisa que o dono aprove.
To sublet, you need the owner's approval.
✕Common Mistakes
Pra sublocar, precisa que o dono aprova.
After "precisa que" the verb must be in the subjunctive; use "aprove" instead of the indicative "aprova".
Para sublocar, precisa que o dono aprove.
In informal spoken Portuguese "pra" is preferred; using "para" is not wrong but sounds more formal.
Pra sublocar, precisa que o dono aprovar.
The infinitive "aprovar" cannot follow "precisa que"; the correct form is the subjunctive "aprove".
↔Alternatives
Para sublocar, é necessário que o proprietário dê a sua aprovação.
To sublet, it is necessary that the landlord gives his approval.
É preciso que o dono concorde antes de sublocar.
You must have the owner's agreement before subletting.
Você só pode sublocar se o proprietário autorizar.
You can only sublet if the landlord authorizes it.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, most rental contracts contain a clause that forbids subletting without the landlord’s written consent. Violating this clause can lead to contract termination or legal action, so always ask for a formal approval and keep a copy of the landlord’s response.