Eu preciso comparar o preço da passagem antes de viajar.

I need to compare the price of the ticket before traveling.

Breakdown of Eu preciso comparar o preço da passagem antes de viajar.

• eu: I
• o: the
• precisar de: to need
• antes de: before
• da: of the
• preço: price
• comparar: to compare
• viajar: to travel
• passagem: ticket

Questions & Answers about Eu preciso comparar o preço da passagem antes de viajar.

Why do we use "da passagem" instead of something like "do passagem"?

In Portuguese, "passagem" is a feminine noun, so the correct definite article is "a", not "o". When combined with the preposition "de", it results in "da" (not "do"). Hence, "o preço da passagem" is correct, meaning "the price of the ticket".

Why is it "Eu preciso comparar" and not "Eu preciso de comparar"?

Some verbs in Portuguese, like "precisar", can be used with or without "de". When "precisar" is followed by another verb in the infinitive, it’s common (especially in Brazil) to say "preciso comparar" (without "de"). If you’re referring to a noun, you generally use "preciso de". For instance, "Eu preciso de água" ("I need water"). But with a verb: "Eu preciso comparar" ("I need to compare").

Is it typical to say "o preço da passagem" when talking about plane, bus, or any kind of travel tickets in Brazil?

Yes, the word "passagem" is a general term for a travel ticket, whether it’s by bus, plane, or other forms of transportation. If you specifically mean a plane ticket, you can also say "passagem aérea", but in many contexts, "passagem" alone is enough.

Why do we say "antes de viajar" and not "antes viajar"?

In Portuguese, "antes" is usually followed by the preposition "de" plus the infinitive form of the verb to express "before doing something". So "antes de viajar" literally translates to "before traveling". The preposition "de" acts like the word "of" or "to" in English in this context, showing that the action of traveling is what comes after "antes".

Could I replace "Eu preciso comparar" with "Eu tenho que comparar"?

Yes, you absolutely can. "Eu tenho que comparar" ("I have to compare") carries a similar meaning to "Eu preciso comparar" ("I need to compare"). However, "tenho que" sounds slightly more informal or direct, whereas "preciso" is a bit more neutral. Both are common in daily conversation.