Signification
To be surprised, shocked, or upset by something unexpected.
Contexte culturel
In Brazil, 'ficar de cara' is often accompanied by a specific hand gesture: bringing the hand to the face or lightly slapping the forehead to emphasize the shock. Cariocas (people from Rio) might use 'ficar bolado' as a synonym, but 'ficar de cara' is equally understood and used for more 'absurd' situations. While Portuguese people understand the phrase due to Brazilian media, using it might mark you as a speaker of Brazilian Portuguese. They prefer 'ficar boquiaberto' (to stay with mouth open). On platforms like Twitter or TikTok, 'ficar de cara' is used to react to 'cancelamentos' (cancel culture) or viral revelations.
The 'Com' Rule
Always remember the 'com'. If you just say 'Eu fiquei de cara', it's fine as a reaction, but if you add an object, 'com' is your best friend.
Not for Funerals
Even though you might be 'shocked' by sad news, this phrase is too informal for grave situations like a death. Use 'estou em choque' or 'meus pêsames' instead.
Signification
To be surprised, shocked, or upset by something unexpected.
The 'Com' Rule
Always remember the 'com'. If you just say 'Eu fiquei de cara', it's fine as a reaction, but if you add an object, 'com' is your best friend.
Not for Funerals
Even though you might be 'shocked' by sad news, this phrase is too informal for grave situations like a death. Use 'estou em choque' or 'meus pêsames' instead.
Facial Expressions
When you say this, make sure your face matches! Brazilians value the congruence between words and body language.
Teste-toi
Complete a frase com a forma correta do verbo 'ficar' e a preposição necessária.
Eu ______ de cara ______ a grosseria dele ontem.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (ontem), so we use the preterite 'fiquei'. The idiom always requires 'com'.
Qual frase usa o idioma corretamente para expressar surpresa?
Escolha a opção correta:
'Ficar de cara' is the correct idiom for being shocked by a result. 'Dar de cara' would mean you physically bumped into the paper.
Complete o diálogo com a reação mais natural.
A: 'Você soube que o preço da gasolina subiu de novo?' B: 'Sério? ________!'
Reacting to shocking news about prices is a classic use of 'ficar de cara'.
Combine a situação com a frase correta.
Situação: Você descobre que seu melhor amigo vai se mudar para o Japão amanhã e não te contou nada.
This situation causes shock and a bit of indignation, making 'ficar de cara' the perfect response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEu ______ de cara ______ a grosseria dele ontem.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (ontem), so we use the preterite 'fiquei'. The idiom always requires 'com'.
Escolha a opção correta:
'Ficar de cara' is the correct idiom for being shocked by a result. 'Dar de cara' would mean you physically bumped into the paper.
A: 'Você soube que o preço da gasolina subiu de novo?' B: 'Sério? ________!'
Reacting to shocking news about prices is a classic use of 'ficar de cara'.
Situação: Você descobre que seu melhor amigo vai se mudar para o Japão amanhã e não te contou nada.
This situation causes shock and a bit of indignation, making 'ficar de cara' the perfect response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it's not offensive or a swear word. It's just very informal.
Yes, they will understand you, but it will sound very Brazilian.
'Chocado' is more neutral and can be used in slightly more formal settings. 'Ficar de cara' is more 'street' and expressive.
It's much less common than 'com'. Stick with 'com' to sound more natural.
Not always, but it often has a hint of 'I can't believe this is happening', which can be positive (a great talent) or negative (a high price).
Expressions liées
Ficar de queixo caído
synonymTo be jaw-dropped.
Dar de cara com
contrastTo bump into someone/something.
Ficar de cara no chão
builds onTo be extremely humiliated or shocked.
Fazer cara de paisagem
contrastTo pretend nothing is happening.
