في 15 ثانية
- The Portuguese equivalent of crossing your fingers for good luck.
- Involves a specific hand gesture with the thumb between fingers.
- Used to show support and hope for a positive outcome.
المعنى
This is the Portuguese way of saying you're hoping for the best. You use it when you want good luck for yourself or someone else.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Waiting for a friend's job interview result
Estou a fazer figas para que consigas o emprego!
I'm crossing my fingers so that you get the job!
Before a big football match
Vamos todos fazer figas pela nossa equipa hoje.
Let's all cross our fingers for our team today.
In a professional but warm email to a colleague
Fico a fazer figas para que a apresentação corra bem.
I'll be crossing my fingers for the presentation to go well.
خلفية ثقافية
In Portugal, 'fazer figas' is often accompanied by the physical gesture. It is common to see people actually hiding their hands or showing the gesture to emphasize they are hoping for luck. In Brazil, the 'figa' is a major symbol in jewelry and home decor. It is often carved from 'pau-santo' or 'guiné' wood to increase its protective power against the 'mau-olhado'. In Angola, superstitions regarding luck and protection are common, and 'fazer figas' is understood and used, often blended with local traditional beliefs. Similar to Portugal, the phrase is used in everyday language to express hope, especially regarding the 'morabeza' (hospitality) and well-wishing for travelers.
Use with 'por'
When wishing luck for someone else, always use 'por': 'Faço figas por ti'.
Gesture Caution
Be careful using the physical gesture outside of Portuguese-speaking countries; it can be rude in Italy or Turkey!
في 15 ثانية
- The Portuguese equivalent of crossing your fingers for good luck.
- Involves a specific hand gesture with the thumb between fingers.
- Used to show support and hope for a positive outcome.
What It Means
Fazer figas is your go-to expression for wishing for luck. In English, you say you are crossing your fingers. In Portuguese, you are 'making figs.' It sounds strange, but it is a powerful gesture. You are basically sending out positive vibes to the universe. It is used for small things and big dreams alike.
How To Use It
You use the verb fazer (to do/make) followed by figas. It is very flexible. You can say estou a fazer figas if you are doing it right now. Or you can tell a friend faz figas por mim to ask for their support. It is often accompanied by the physical gesture of putting your thumb between your index and middle fingers.
When To Use It
Use it whenever there is uncertainty. Are you waiting for exam results? Faz figas! Did your friend just go on a first date? Estou a fazer figas! It works perfectly at work before a big presentation. It is great for sports fans watching a penalty kick. It is a warm, supportive thing to say to anyone you care about.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in very somber or tragic situations. If someone is grieving, 'making figs' feels too lighthearted and superstitious. Avoid it in highly technical or legal discussions where luck shouldn't play a part. It is a bit too casual for a formal letter to a government official. Stick to personal interactions and friendly professional settings.
Cultural Background
The 'figa' is an ancient symbol used to ward off the 'evil eye.' In Portugal and Brazil, it is a common amulet made of wood or gold. People believe it 'traps' bad luck so it cannot hurt you. While the physical gesture can be rude in some cultures (like Turkey or Greece), in the Lusophone world, it is purely about protection and luck. It is a beautiful mix of old superstition and modern friendship.
Common Variations
You might hear torcer por which means 'to root for.' However, fazer figas is more specific to the 'crossing fingers' feeling. In Brazil, people often say dedos cruzados (crossed fingers) due to English influence. But in Portugal, fazer figas remains the undisputed king of luck-based idioms. You can also say vou ficar a fazer figas to show you'll keep thinking of them.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
The phrase is neutral to informal. It is perfect for friends, family, and casual workplace chat. It is almost always used with the verb `fazer` and the noun `figas` in the plural.
Use with 'por'
When wishing luck for someone else, always use 'por': 'Faço figas por ti'.
Gesture Caution
Be careful using the physical gesture outside of Portuguese-speaking countries; it can be rude in Italy or Turkey!
Brazil vs Portugal
In Brazil, say 'fazendo figa' (singular). In Portugal, say 'a fazer figas' (plural).
Amulets
If you see a small hand charm in a shop, that's a 'figa'. It's a great souvenir!
أمثلة
6Estou a fazer figas para que consigas o emprego!
I'm crossing my fingers so that you get the job!
A very common way to show support for a friend's career.
Vamos todos fazer figas pela nossa equipa hoje.
Let's all cross our fingers for our team today.
Used collectively to build excitement and hope.
Fico a fazer figas para que a apresentação corra bem.
I'll be crossing my fingers for the presentation to go well.
Adds a human, supportive touch to a work relationship.
Faz figas para que o meu voo não seja cancelado!
Cross your fingers that my flight isn't canceled!
Short and punchy for a quick text message.
Vou comer o teu jantar, mas vou fazer figas para não passar mal!
I'll eat your dinner, but I'll cross my fingers I don't get sick!
Playful teasing between close friends or family.
Temos de fazer figas para que não chova amanhã.
We have to cross our fingers so it doesn't rain tomorrow.
Expressing shared anxiety about something uncontrollable.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'fazer'.
Eu ______ figas por você no exame de amanhã.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the correct present tense form of 'fazer' is 'faço'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to wish luck in Portugal?
Choose the best option:
'Fazer figas' is the standard idiom. 'Figos' means the fruit, and 'cruzar os dedos' is an Anglicism.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: 'Amanhã tenho a minha entrevista de emprego.' Pedro: 'Boa sorte! Vou ______ ______ por ti.'
The verb used with 'figas' is always 'fazer'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Your friend is waiting for the lottery results.
You wish them luck with 'Faz figas!'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
When to use 'Fazer Figas'
Exams
- • Tests
- • Finals
- • Interviews
Sports
- • Games
- • Goals
- • Wins
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينEu ______ figas por você no exame de amanhã.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the correct present tense form of 'fazer' is 'faço'.
Choose the best option:
'Fazer figas' is the standard idiom. 'Figos' means the fruit, and 'cruzar os dedos' is an Anglicism.
Ana: 'Amanhã tenho a minha entrevista de emprego.' Pedro: 'Boa sorte! Vou ______ ______ por ti.'
The verb used with 'figas' is always 'fazer'.
Your friend is waiting for the lottery results.
You wish them luck with 'Faz figas!'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it is a secular superstition, though in Brazil it has links to Afro-Brazilian religions.
Only if you have a very close and informal relationship with the person.
Grammatically, it's just singular vs plural. Culturally, Brazil prefers singular and Portugal prefers plural.
Yes, exactly the same functional meaning.
No, it is completely innocent and used for luck.
Eu fiz, tu fizeste, ele fez, nós fizemos, eles fizeram.
Yes, but 'fazer figas' sounds more like a native speaker.
No, either hand works!
It comes from the Latin word for 'fig', which was an ancient slang term.
Yes, it's very common in texts and social media.
عبارات ذات صلة
torcer por
similarTo root for someone
bater na madeira
similarTo knock on wood
dar um jeito
contrastTo find a way/fix something
estar com a macaca
contrastTo have bad luck
