Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Preciso de meter gasolina.

Preciso de meter gasolina.

I need to get petrol.

Breakdown of Preciso de meter gasolina.

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Questions & Answers about Preciso de meter gasolina.

Why is there a de after Preciso?

In European Portuguese, the verb precisar (to need) must be followed by the preposition de when it comes before another verb. That is why it is preciso de meter and not just preciso meter.

The translation says 'to get petrol', but doesn't meter mean 'to put'?

Exactly! In English you might 'get' petrol, but in Portuguese the natural expression is to 'put' petrol in the car. meter gasolina is the standard everyday phrase for this in Portugal.

Could I use the verb pôr instead of meter here?

You could say pôr gasolina, as both verbs mean 'to put'. However, meter is the verb you will hear locals use the most when talking about filling up the fuel tank.

What if my car runs on diesel? Can I still say gasolina?

No, gasolina specifically means petrol (gasoline). If your car needs diesel, you must use the word gasóleo. You would say: Preciso de meter gasóleo.