Portuguese Phrase
A gente precisa reduzir as emissões de carbono.
Meaning
The sentence means 'We need to reduce carbon emissions.' It expresses a collective responsibility, using the informal plural pronoun 'a gente' which is typical in everyday Brazilian speech.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing climate change, sustainability projects, or any conversation about environmental policies. It works well in meetings, classroom debates, or casual chats about how to act greener.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Agenteprecisareduzirasemissõesdecarbono
A gente
Colloquial plural pronoun meaning 'we'; common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, less formal than 'nós'.
precisa
Third‑person singular of the verb 'precisar' (to need). With a subject like 'a gente', the verb stays in singular.
reduzir
Infinitive verb meaning 'to reduce'. After verbs of necessity (precisar), the infinitive follows directly without 'de'.
as emissões
Feminine plural noun 'emissões' (emissions) with the definite article 'as'.
de carbono
Prepositional phrase indicating the type of emissions; 'de' works like 'of' in English.
🗨In Conversation
A gente precisa reduzir as emissões de carbono.
We need to reduce carbon emissions.
Concordo, vamos usar mais transporte público e reciclar mais.
I agree, let's use more public transport and recycle more.
✕Common Mistakes
A gente precisa **de reduzir** as emissões de carbono.
After 'precisar' you do NOT use the preposition 'de'. The infinitive follows directly.
A gente precisa **reduzirmos** as emissões de carbono.
The infinitive is required, not a conjugated form.
A gente precisa reduzir **as emissão** de carbono.
The noun 'emissão' is feminine; the plural article must match.
↔Alternatives
Precisamos reduzir as emissões de carbono.
We need to reduce carbon emissions.
É necessário diminuir as emissões de carbono.
It is necessary to lower carbon emissions.
Devemos cortar as emissões de carbono.
We should cut carbon emissions.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'a gente' is the go‑to way to say 'we' in informal contexts, especially among younger speakers. In formal writing or speeches, switch to 'nós' for a more polished tone. Brazil has a growing climate‑activist movement, so using this phrase can signal that you are up‑to‑date with local environmental concerns.