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How to Say ‘I had to appeal to you.’ in Portuguese

Tive que recorrer a você.

💬 Usage Tip: The verb 'recorrer' means to seek help from someone, often used in legal or difficult situations.

🇵🇹 In Portugal: 'O Auto da Compadecida' is full of legal drama, typical of Brazilian storytelling, which sometimes blends humor and satire with serious themes.

Phrase Breakdown

Tive que

Recorrer a você

Word-by-Word Breakdown

Tive

[CHEE-veh]

had

Past tense of 'to have', indicating possession or necessity.

Example

Eu tive que ajudar você.

I had to help you.

que

[keh]

that

A conjunction used to introduce a clause.

Example

Acreditei que era possível.

I believed that it was possible.

recorrer

[heh-koo-REH]

to resort (to)

To turn to and adopt a strategy or course of action so as to resolve a difficult situation.

Example

Vou recorrer a um advogado.

I will resort to a lawyer.

a

[ah]

to

Expressing motion in the direction of (a particular location).

Example

Vou a Lisboa.

I am going to Lisbon.

você

[vo-SEH]

you

The person being addressed.

Example

Estou a falar com você.

I am talking to you.

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