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A2 verb #2,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

fingir

At the A1 level, 'fingir' is a useful word to describe simple actions. You use it to say someone is 'pretending' to do something basic, like sleeping or eating. At this stage, you focus on the present tense: 'Eu finjo', 'Você finge'. You learn it as a way to describe games or simple social lies. The most important thing is to remember that it means 'to pretend' and not 'to figure out'. You will mostly see it in the structure 'fingir que' followed by a simple sentence. For example: 'Ele finge que dorme' (He pretends he sleeps). It's a great word to add to your vocabulary to describe human behavior beyond just basic facts.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'fingir' in more varied tenses, like the Pretérito Perfeito (past) and the Imperfeito. You start to understand that 'fingir' is a regular -ir verb but with a spelling change in the first person (finjo). You can now use it to describe more complex social situations, such as pretending to be happy or pretending not to see someone. You also learn the difference between 'fingir' and 'fazer de conta' (make believe). You should be able to form sentences like 'Eu fingi que não ouvi o telefone' (I pretended I didn't hear the phone). This level is about expanding the contexts in which you can use the word, moving from simple games to everyday social interactions.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'fingir' in all indicative tenses and the subjunctive. You start to use it to express nuances in conversations, such as 'Espero que ele não finja que está tudo bem' (I hope he doesn't pretend everything is okay). You also learn more idiomatic uses, like 'fingir-se de morto' (to play dead/ignore). You begin to see 'fingir' in more formal texts and understand its role in literature and media. You are now aware of synonyms like 'aparentar' and 'simular' and can choose the right word depending on whether you are talking about an appearance, a technical simulation, or a social deception.
At the B2 level, your use of 'fingir' becomes more sophisticated. You understand the subtle difference between 'fingir' and 'dissimular' (to hide feelings). You can use 'fingir' to discuss abstract concepts, like 'fingir interesse' in a professional setting or 'fingir naturalidade' in a stressful situation. You are familiar with the spelling nuances and rarely make mistakes in conjugation. You can also interpret the word in complex literary contexts, such as the works of Fernando Pessoa. You use 'fingir' to describe complex human psychology and social dynamics, and you can explain the difference between 'fingir que' and 'fingir + infinitive' with ease.
At the C1 level, 'fingir' is a tool for expressing high-level nuance. You use it to discuss the philosophy of appearance versus reality. You are aware of the word's etymology and its historical use in Portuguese literature. You can use the word in very formal or academic contexts, such as 'A dissimulação e o fingimento na política' (Dissimulation and pretending in politics). You understand the cultural weight of the word in Lusophone societies, where social harmony often requires a degree of 'fingimento'. You can use it reflexively and in complex passive constructions, and you are adept at using it to create irony or sarcasm in your speech and writing.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'fingir'. You can use it with the same precision as a native speaker, catching every subtle connotation. You are comfortable with archaic or highly literary uses of the word. You can participate in deep literary analysis of poems like 'Autopsicografia' and discuss the 'fingimento poético' as a concept. You use 'fingir' in a wide range of idiomatic expressions and slang, and you can adapt its use perfectly to any register, from the most casual street slang to the most formal legal or academic discourse. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but deeply cultural and psychological.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

fingir en 30 secondes

  • Fingir is a regular -ir verb meaning 'to pretend' or 'to feign' in various social and personal contexts.
  • It is commonly used with 'que' (fingir que...) or directly with an infinitive (fingir dormir) or noun (fingir dor).
  • A key spelling change occurs in the first person present: 'eu finjo' (with a 'j' instead of a 'g').
  • It ranges from innocent play (fazer de conta) to serious social deception or artistic expression (as in Pessoa's poetry).

The Portuguese verb fingir is a fundamental pillar of social and emotional expression, primarily meaning 'to pretend', 'to feign', or 'to simulate'. At its core, it describes the act of creating a false appearance or impression to mislead others about one's true feelings, state of mind, or physical condition. Unlike some verbs that imply a purely playful act, fingir spans the entire spectrum from innocent childhood games to calculated social deception. In a linguistic sense, it is a regular -ir verb, making it relatively straightforward for learners to conjugate, yet its semantic depth requires careful study. When you use fingir, you are describing a gap between internal reality and external performance.

Emotional Simulation
The act of showing an emotion you do not actually feel, such as smiling while sad.
Physical Feigning
Acting as if one has a physical ailment or state, like pretending to be asleep or ill.
Social Performance
Adopting a persona or status that does not belong to the individual in a social context.

"Ele costuma fingir que não me viu quando passa por mim na rua."

— He usually pretends he didn't see me when he passes me on the street.

The word carries a weight of intentionality. It is not an accident; it is a choice. In Portuguese literature and daily life, fingir is often linked to the concept of the 'social mask'. It is the verb of the diplomat, the actor, and the shy person alike. Understanding fingir is essential for navigating Portuguese social nuances, where 'saving face' or maintaining harmony often involves a degree of pretending. It is also deeply rooted in the Portuguese poetic tradition, most famously in Fernando Pessoa's 'Autopsicografia', where he states that 'O poeta é um fingidor' (The poet is a pretender/feigner), suggesting that art itself is a form of sophisticated pretending.

"Não adianta fingir costume; todos sabemos que você está nervoso."

— It's no use pretending to be used to it; we all know you're nervous.
The 'Que' Connection
Most often, fingir is followed by the conjunction 'que' to introduce a clause: 'fingir que...' (pretend that...).
Direct Object Use
It can also take a direct object, such as 'fingir uma doença' (to feign an illness).

In summary, fingir is about the projection of a non-reality. Whether it is for survival, politeness, or artistic creation, it is the verb that bridges the gap between what is and what appears to be. Its 600+ word depth in usage covers everything from the 'white lie' to the grand theatrical performance, making it an indispensable tool for any speaker reaching for A2 and beyond.

Using fingir correctly involves understanding its syntactic patterns and the subtle shifts in meaning they provide. As a regular -ir verb, its conjugation follows the standard pattern (eu finjo, tu finges, ele finge, nós fingimos, eles fingem). Note the spelling change in the first person singular present indicative: the 'g' changes to 'j' to preserve the soft sound (/ʒ/). This is a common feature in Portuguese verbs ending in -gir.

Pattern 1: Fingir + Que + Clause
This is the most common structure. Example: 'Eu finjo que estou bem' (I pretend that I am well). The clause following 'que' usually uses the indicative mood if the pretending is presented as a fact of the performance.
Pattern 2: Fingir + Infinitive
Used when the subject of fingir is the same as the action being pretended. Example: 'Ela fingiu dormir' (She pretended to sleep). This is more concise and common in literary or formal contexts.
Pattern 3: Fingir + Noun
Used to express feigning a specific state or thing. Example: 'Fingir um desmaio' (To feign a faint/swoon).

"Para evitar a discussão, ele resolveu fingir surdez."

— To avoid the argument, he decided to feign deafness.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the tense. In the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), fingiu indicates a completed act of pretending. In the Imperfeito (fingia), it suggests a habitual state or an ongoing background action. For example, 'Ele fingia que trabalhava' suggests he was habitually pretending to work or was in the middle of pretending when something else happened. The choice of tense significantly alters the narrative flow.

In more advanced usage, fingir can be used reflexively in some dialects or literary styles, though 'fingir-se de' is the more common reflexive-like construction. For instance, 'fingir-se de morto' (to play dead) or 'fingir-se de desentendido' (to act like one doesn't understand). This 'se de' construction is incredibly productive in idiomatic Brazilian Portuguese. It adds a layer of 'acting as' rather than just 'pretending that'.

"Não tente se fingir de inocente agora!"

— Don't try to act innocent now!

Finally, consider the register. Fingir is appropriate in all settings, from a business meeting ('fingir interesse') to a casual conversation with friends. It is a 'safe' verb that doesn't carry inherent slanginess unless paired with specific idiomatic expressions. By mastering these three patterns and the 'se de' variation, you will be able to express complex social maneuvers with ease.

The verb fingir is ubiquitous in Lusophone culture, appearing in everything from high-brow literature to the most popular soap operas (novelas). Because human interaction often involves a degree of performance, you will encounter this word daily. In Brazil and Portugal, social harmony is highly valued, leading to frequent use of fingir in contexts of politeness or conflict avoidance.

In Novelas (Soap Operas)
Novelas are built on deception. You'll hear: 'Ela está fingindo a gravidez!' (She is faking the pregnancy!) or 'Ele finge que é rico' (He pretends he's rich).
In Music (MPB and Fado)
Lyrics often explore the pain of 'fingir' happiness. A classic theme is the lover who must 'fingir que não ama' (pretend they don't love).
In Childhood
While 'brincar de' is common, parents might say 'Pare de fingir que está chorando' (Stop pretending you're crying).

"O poeta é um fingidor. Finge tão completamente que chega a fingir que é dor a dor que deveras sente."

— Fernando Pessoa, 'Autopsicografia'. A cornerstone of Portuguese literature.

In professional environments, you might hear it in the context of 'fingir naturalidade' (to act natural) during a stressful presentation or interview. It's also common in political commentary, where pundits might accuse a politician of 'fingir preocupação' (feigning concern). The word is also a staple in psychological discussions, referring to 'fingir' as a defense mechanism.

If you are watching Portuguese cinema or Netflix series like '3%', 'Coisa Mais Linda', or 'Glória', listen for the word during scenes of betrayal or undercover work. It is the go-to verb for any 'undercover' scenario. In news reports, you might see it used regarding legal cases: 'O réu fingiu insanidade' (The defendant feigned insanity). Its versatility across these domains—from the poetic to the legal—demonstrates its central role in the language.

Even though fingir is an A2 level verb, several pitfalls can trap learners, especially those coming from English or Spanish backgrounds. The most significant errors involve false cognates, preposition misuse, and conjugation slips.

The False Cognate Trap
English speakers sometimes confuse fingir with 'to figure' or 'to find'. Fingir ONLY means to pretend. To say 'I figured it out', use 'descobri' or 'percebi'.
Preposition Confusion
Learners often try to use 'fingir de que'. The correct form is either 'fingir que' (pretend that) or 'fingir-se de' (act as). Adding 'de' after 'fingir' without the reflexive 'se' is a common error.
The 'G' vs 'J' Conjugation
In writing, many forget to change the 'g' to 'j' in the 'eu' form. Writing 'eu fingo' is incorrect; it must be 'eu finjo'.

"Errado: Eu fingo que não sei. Correto: Eu finjo que não sei."

— A classic spelling mistake for beginners.

Another common mistake is using fingir when mentir (to lie) is more appropriate. While they are related, fingir usually involves an action or a state of being, whereas mentir is specifically about stating a falsehood. If you say 'Eu fingi que fui ao cinema', it implies you acted as if you went (perhaps by showing a ticket). If you just said the words, 'Eu menti que fui ao cinema' is more precise.

Lastly, be careful with the reflexive use. While in English we say 'He pretended to be a doctor', in Portuguese you can say 'Ele fingiu ser médico' or 'Ele se fingiu de médico'. Learners often mix these up into 'Ele fingiu de médico', which sounds incomplete to a native ear. Consistency in these patterns will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and sophisticated.

To truly master fingir, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of deception and appearance. Portuguese offers several alternatives that carry different shades of meaning, ranging from playful to clinical.

Simular
This is more formal and often implies a technical or physical imitation. It is used in sports (simulating a foul) or in scientific contexts (computer simulation).
Aparentar
This means 'to appear' or 'to seem'. It is less about active deception and more about the impression one gives off. 'Ele aparenta ter 40 anos' (He appears to be 40).
Fazer de conta
This is the standard expression for 'to make believe' or 'to play-pretend'. It is very common in children's games and has a lighter, more innocent connotation than fingir.
Dissimular
A more advanced synonym, meaning to hide one's true feelings or intentions under a false appearance. It is more calculated and often carries a negative, 'sneaky' connotation.

"As crianças adoram fazer de conta que são super-heróis."

— Using 'fazer de conta' for playful, non-deceptive pretending.

When choosing between these, consider the intent. If the goal is to deceive, fingir or dissimular are your best bets. If the goal is to describe an appearance without necessarily implying a lie, aparentar is better. If you are talking about a simulation or a drill, simular is the correct choice. For example, a fire drill is a 'simulação de incêndio', not a 'fingimento'.

Understanding these synonyms allows for greater precision. For instance, 'Ele fingiu estar doente' (He pretended to be sick) sounds like he's trying to skip school. 'Ele simulou os sintomas' (He simulated the symptoms) sounds like a medical student practicing a diagnosis. 'Ele aparentava estar doente' (He seemed to be sick) just describes how he looked to an observer. Mastering these distinctions is a hallmark of moving from B1 to B2 and C1 levels.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Informel

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Argot

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Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

Eu finjo que durmo.

I pretend that I sleep.

Present tense, 1st person singular (note the 'j').

2

Você finge bem.

You pretend well.

Present tense, 2nd person/formal 3rd person.

3

Ele finge que é um gato.

He pretends he is a cat.

Fingir que + simple present.

4

Nós fingimos que não ouvimos.

We pretend we don't hear.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

5

Eles fingem que estão felizes.

They pretend they are happy.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

6

Ela finge que gosta de sopa.

She pretends she likes soup.

Fingir que + present.

7

Eu não finjo nada.

I don't pretend anything.

Negative construction.

8

Você finge ser meu amigo?

Do you pretend to be my friend?

Fingir + infinitive.

1

Ontem, eu fingi que estava doente.

Yesterday, I pretended I was sick.

Pretérito Perfeito (past tense).

2

Ela fingiu que não me viu na rua.

She pretended she didn't see me on the street.

Pretérito Perfeito.

3

Nós fingíamos que éramos ricos quando crianças.

We used to pretend we were rich when we were children.

Pretérito Imperfeito (habitual past).

4

Ele fingiu ler o livro o tempo todo.

He pretended to read the book the whole time.

Fingir + infinitive.

5

Você fingiu que esqueceu o meu nome?

Did you pretend you forgot my name?

Interrogative in the past.

6

Eles fingiram que a comida estava boa.

They pretended the food was good.

3rd person plural past.

7

Eu fingi um sorriso para a foto.

I feigned a smile for the photo.

Fingir + noun.

8

Ela sempre finge que sabe tudo.

She always pretends she knows everything.

Present tense with adverb 'sempre'.

1

Espero que você não finja interesse só por educação.

I hope you don't feign interest just for politeness.

Present Subjunctive.

2

Se ele fingisse melhor, ninguém saberia a verdade.

If he pretended better, no one would know the truth.

Imperfect Subjunctive + Conditional.

3

Ela se fingiu de morta para evitar a conversa.

She played dead (ignored it) to avoid the conversation.

Reflexive 'se fingir de'.

4

Nós tínhamos fingido que o plano era outro.

We had pretended the plan was different.

Pretérito Mais-que-perfeito Composto.

5

Não adianta fingir que nada aconteceu.

It's no use pretending that nothing happened.

Infinitive as subject.

6

Ele fingiu surpresa ao receber o presente.

He feigned surprise upon receiving the gift.

Fingir + noun.

7

Vocês estão fingindo que estão trabalhando?

Are you (plural) pretending that you are working?

Present Continuous.

8

Ela fingiu não ouvir o insulto.

She pretended not to hear the insult.

Fingir + negative infinitive.

1

É difícil fingir naturalidade sob tanta pressão.

It's hard to act natural under so much pressure.

Infinitive use in abstract context.

2

O ator fingiu um sotaque estrangeiro perfeitamente.

The actor faked a foreign accent perfectly.

Fingir + noun (abstract).

3

Eles fingiram ignorância sobre o desvio de dinheiro.

They feigned ignorance about the embezzlement.

Formal context.

4

Se você fingir que concorda, a reunião acabará mais cedo.

If you pretend to agree, the meeting will end sooner.

Future Subjunctive.

5

Ela fingiu-se de desentendida para não ter que ajudar.

She acted like she didn't understand so she wouldn't have to help.

Reflexive with 'desentendida'.

6

O espião fingia ser um empresário de sucesso.

The spy used to pretend to be a successful businessman.

Imperfect tense for ongoing state.

7

Não finja que você se importa com os meus problemas.

Don't pretend that you care about my problems.

Imperative (negative).

8

Ele fingiu uma calma que claramente não sentia.

He feigned a calmness that he clearly didn't feel.

Fingir + noun with relative clause.

1

A capacidade de fingir é intrínseca à diplomacia internacional.

The ability to pretend is intrinsic to international diplomacy.

Substantive use of the infinitive.

2

O autor utiliza o fingimento como metáfora para a condição humana.

The author uses pretending as a metaphor for the human condition.

Noun form 'fingimento'.

3

Ela fingiu demência diante das acusações infundadas.

She played dumb in the face of the groundless accusations.

Idiomatic 'fingir demência'.

4

É imperativo que não finjamos desconhecer a gravidade da crise.

It is imperative that we do not pretend to be unaware of the crisis's gravity.

Present Subjunctive (1st person plural).

5

Ele fingiu um desmaio para interromper o depoimento.

He faked a faint to interrupt the testimony.

Strategic use of the verb.

6

O fingir, em Pessoa, é um ato de criação intelectual.

Pretending, in Pessoa, is an act of intellectual creation.

Infinitive as a philosophical noun.

7

Ela fingiu-se de rogada antes de aceitar o convite.

She played hard to get before accepting the invitation.

Idiomatic 'fingir-se de rogada'.

8

Eles fingiram uma harmonia familiar que nunca existiu.

They feigned a family harmony that never existed.

Complex noun phrase object.

1

A arte de fingir sentimentos é o cerne da dramaturgia clássica.

The art of feigning feelings is the core of classical dramaturgy.

Academic register.

2

O réu, ao fingir insanidade, tentava mitigar sua pena.

The defendant, by feigning insanity, was trying to mitigate his sentence.

Gerundial clause of means.

3

Não se pode fingir a posse de uma virtude que não se cultiva.

One cannot feign the possession of a virtue that one does not cultivate.

Passive 'se' with infinitive.

4

O fingimento, longe de ser mera mentira, é uma construção social.

Pretending, far from being a mere lie, is a social construction.

Philosophical analysis.

5

Ele fingiu um enfado aristocrático para impressionar os presentes.

He feigned an aristocratic boredom to impress those present.

Highly descriptive noun phrase.

6

A personagem finge-se de vítima para manipular o protagonista.

The character acts as a victim to manipulate the protagonist.

Reflexive use in literary analysis.

7

Fingir que se sabe o que não se sabe é a marca da arrogância.

Pretending to know what one does not know is the mark of arrogance.

Nested clauses.

8

A dissimulação exige um fingir constante e exaustivo.

Dissimulation requires a constant and exhaustive pretending.

Substantive infinitive with adjectives.

Collocations courantes

Fingir interesse
Fingir demência
Fingir surpresa
Fingir doença
Fingir dormir
Fingir ignorância
Fingir alegria
Fingir naturalidade
Fingir um desmaio
Fingir que não sabe

Phrases Courantes

Fingir que não viu

Fingir que não ouviu

Fingir de morto

Fazer de conta

Fingir costume

Parar de fingir

Fingir ser outra pessoa

Fingir estar bem

Fingir que se importa

Fingir por educação

Souvent confondu avec

fingir vs Figurar

fingir vs Fixar

fingir vs Fungar

Expressions idiomatiques

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Facile à confondre

fingir vs

fingir vs

fingir vs

fingir vs

fingir vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

Difference from Mentir

Mentir is about words; fingir is about actions/states.

Difference from Simular

Simular is technical; fingir is personal/social.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'fingir' to mean 'to figure out'.
  • Spelling 'finjo' as 'fingo'.
  • Saying 'fingir de que' instead of 'fingir que'.
  • Using 'fingir' when 'mentir' (verbal lie) is more accurate.
  • Confusing 'fingir' with 'fixar'.

Astuces

The J Rule

Always use 'j' before 'o' and 'a' in conjugation: finjo, finja.

Play vs. Deceit

Use 'fazer de conta' for kids and 'fingir' for adults.

Polite Pretending

In Brazil, 'fingir que não viu' is often a way to be polite.

Nasal 'I'

Don't forget to nasalize the first syllable: /fĩ/.

Avoid Repetition

Use 'simular' or 'aparentar' to vary your vocabulary.

Gen Z Talk

Use 'fingir demência' when you want to ignore an awkward text.

Pessoa's Key

The word 'fingidor' is central to understanding Portuguese poetry.

Courtroom Use

'Fingir insanidade' is a common legal phrase.

Stage Terms

Actors 'fingem' emotions to create a performance.

Context Matters

The meaning of 'fingir' changes based on whether the person is smiling or not.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Latin 'fingere'

Contexte culturel

'Fingir demência' is common among Gen Z and Millennials in Brazil.

Fernando Pessoa's 'O poeta é um fingidor' is the most famous literary use.

Pretending to agree is often seen as more polite than direct confrontation.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Você já teve que fingir que gostou de um presente?"

"É fácil para você fingir que está bem quando está triste?"

"Você acha que os políticos fingem muito?"

"Quando criança, o que você mais gostava de fingir ser?"

"Você consegue fingir um sotaque diferente?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre uma vez que você fingiu estar doente para não ir à escola.

Descreva uma situação em que fingir foi a coisa mais educada a se fazer.

O que você acha da frase de Pessoa: 'O poeta é um fingidor'?

Você prefere pessoas que fingem ser legais ou pessoas que são honestas e rudes?

Como você se sente quando descobre que alguém estava fingindo com você?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it can be used for politeness, acting, or children's games.

'Fazer de conta' is more for play and imagination; 'fingir' is more general.

You can say 'Estou apenas fingindo' or 'É só de brincadeira'.

No, that is a common mistake. Use 'descobrir' or 'perceber'.

It's slang for acting like you don't know what's happening to avoid trouble.

Yes, it's a regular -ir verb, but with a g/j spelling change.

Eu fingi, você fingiu, nós fingimos, eles fingiram.

No, use 'fingir que' or 'fingir-se de'.

Yes, calling someone 'fingido' (fake/hypocritical) is an insult.

The expression is 'fingir-se de morto'.

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