In 15 Seconds
- Used for pushing yourself to the absolute maximum limit.
- Sounds professional and serious due to the adverb 'extremamente'.
- Best reserved for major life achievements or difficult challenges.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of pushing yourself to the absolute limit to achieve something. It is about putting in a massive amount of effort when things get tough.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
Eu vou me esforçar extremamente para bater as metas da empresa.
I will push myself extremely hard to hit the company's goals.
Talking about a marathon
Ele fez um esforço extremo para terminar a corrida.
He made an extreme effort to finish the race.
Texting a friend about a project
Tô fazendo um esforço extremo pra terminar isso hoje!
I'm making an extreme effort to finish this today!
Cultural Background
In Lusophone cultures, showing effort is often more respected than raw talent. The term 'esforço' carries a weight of personal sacrifice and resilience, reflecting a history of overcoming economic and social hurdles through persistence.
The Adverb Trick
In Portuguese, adverbs ending in '-mente' (like 'extremamente') often sound more sophisticated. Use them in writing to impress your boss!
Don't be a Drama King
If you use this for small things like 'making an extreme effort to wake up', people will think you are being sarcastic or very lazy.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for pushing yourself to the absolute maximum limit.
- Sounds professional and serious due to the adverb 'extremamente'.
- Best reserved for major life achievements or difficult challenges.
What It Means
Esforçar-se means to try hard. Adding extremamente makes it intense. It is about going the extra mile. You are not just trying. You are giving your blood, sweat, and tears. It sounds a bit formal because of the adverb. In daily life, we usually flip it. We say fazer um esforço extremo instead. It feels heavy and serious. Use it when the stakes are high.
How To Use It
You need to conjugate the verb fazer. For example, Eu fiz um esforço extremo. You can also use the reflexive verb esforçar-se. In that case, you say Eu me esforcei extremamente. It works well in work reviews. It also works when talking about fitness. If you ran a marathon, you did this. If you studied all night, you did this. Just remember to keep the intensity high. Do not use it for small things like opening a jar.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings to show dedication. It is great for job interviews. Tell them you can fazer um esforço extremo for the team. Use it when describing a difficult recovery. Maybe you are learning a hard language like Portuguese! It fits well in written reports. It also works when you are being very sincere with a friend. It shows you really care about the outcome.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for easy tasks. If you just bought bread, do not say this. It will sound like a joke. Avoid it in very relaxed slang sessions. It sounds a bit 'stiff' for a beach hangout. If you are just 'trying' a new food, it is too much. Use tentar instead. Overusing it makes you sound dramatic. Nobody likes a drama queen in every sentence. Keep it for the big moments.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value hard work and 'garra'. This means 'claws' or grit. We love stories of people who overcome the odds. Making an 'extreme effort' is seen as noble. In Brazil, there is the 'jeitinho', but this is the opposite. This is about pure, raw persistence. It reflects a culture that respects the struggle. It is the language of the underdog who wins.
Common Variations
You will often hear dar o sangue. This means 'to give blood'. It is the informal version of this phrase. Another one is se matar de trabalhar. This means 'to kill oneself working'. These are much more common in the streets. Fazer um esforço hercúleo is the poetic version. It refers to Hercules. Use extremamente when you want to sound precise and serious.
Usage Notes
This is a high-intensity collocation. It is best suited for formal writing, professional feedback, or serious personal declarations.
The Adverb Trick
In Portuguese, adverbs ending in '-mente' (like 'extremamente') often sound more sophisticated. Use them in writing to impress your boss!
Don't be a Drama King
If you use this for small things like 'making an extreme effort to wake up', people will think you are being sarcastic or very lazy.
The 'Suar a Camisa' Secret
Brazilians often say 'suar a camisa' (to sweat the shirt). It means the same thing as making an extreme effort but is much more common at the gym or playing football.
Examples
6Eu vou me esforçar extremamente para bater as metas da empresa.
I will push myself extremely hard to hit the company's goals.
Shows high commitment to a potential employer.
Ele fez um esforço extremo para terminar a corrida.
He made an extreme effort to finish the race.
Describes physical limits being pushed.
Tô fazendo um esforço extremo pra terminar isso hoje!
I'm making an extreme effort to finish this today!
A bit dramatic for a text, but shows urgency.
Não precisa fazer um esforço tão extremo só pra lavar a louça.
You don't need to make such an extreme effort just to wash the dishes.
Sarcastic use for a simple chore.
Se você se esforçar extremamente, vai passar no exame.
If you try extremely hard, you will pass the exam.
Formal encouragement for academic success.
Nós dois estamos fazendo um esforço extremo para dar certo.
We are both making an extreme effort to make it work.
Shows deep emotional investment.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.
Eu ___ um esforço extremo para aprender português este ano.
The verb 'fazer' (to make/do) is the standard pair for 'esforço'.
Which adverb fits best for a very high level of intensity?
Ela se esforçou ___ para ganhar a bolsa de estudos.
'Extremamente' indicates the highest level of effort among the choices.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Effort
Giving blood
Dar o sangue
To try hard
Se esforçar muito
Extreme effort
Esforçar-se extremamente
Where to use 'Esforço Extremo'
Job Interview
Promising results
Sports
Winning a medal
University
Final Thesis
Crisis
Saving a business
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEu ___ um esforço extremo para aprender português este ano.
The verb 'fazer' (to make/do) is the standard pair for 'esforço'.
Ela se esforçou ___ para ganhar a bolsa de estudos.
'Extremamente' indicates the highest level of effort among the choices.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot quite. Usually, the adverb comes after the verb, like fazer esforço extremamente or esforçar-se extremamente.
Yes, but it sounds a bit serious. If you want to be casual, say me esforcei pra caramba.
Most people say fazer um esforço enorme or se esforçar muito.
Absolutely. You can use it for studying, solving problems, or even emotional patience.
The meaning is the same, but Portuguese people might use the verb esforçar-se more often than the phrase fazer esforço.
Yes, to show you are trying to save a relationship, e.g., Estou fazendo um esforço extremo por nós.
It is definitely on the formal side. In a bar, it might sound a bit out of place.
Use fazer (to do/make) or the reflexive esforçar-se (to effort-oneself).
You can say Eu fiz o meu melhor, which is a close cousin to this phrase.
Yes, like Você precisa se esforçar extremamente (You need to try extremely hard).
Related Phrases
Dar o máximo
To give one's maximum
Suar a camisa
To sweat the shirt (work hard)
Fazer o impossível
To do the impossible
Empenhar-se
To commit oneself/strive
