fazer acontecer
to make it happen
Literally: {"fazer":"to do \/ to make","acontecer":"to happen"}
In 15 Seconds
- Be proactive and make things real.
- Take initiative, don't wait.
- Energetic, determined attitude.
- Turn plans and dreams into reality.
Meaning
This is your go-to phrase when you want to say you're going to make something happen, no matter what. It's about taking charge, being super proactive, and turning dreams or plans into reality. Think of it as the ultimate "get it done" attitude, full of energy and determination!
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a new business idea
Tenho uma ideia incrível para um app, vou `fazer acontecer`!
I have an amazing app idea, I'm going to make it happen!
Team meeting discussing a challenging project
Sei que é difícil, mas nós vamos `fazer acontecer` este projeto.
I know it's difficult, but we are going to make this project happen.
Instagram caption for a fitness transformation
Sem desculpas, só trabalho duro. Vamos `fazer acontecer`! 💪
No excuses, just hard work. Let's make it happen! 💪
Cultural Background
The phrase `fazer acontecer` likely emerged from a cultural context that values proactivity and resilience. Brazil, in particular, often celebrates the 'jeitinho brasileiro' – a way of finding solutions creatively, sometimes against odds. This phrase embodies that spirit of not waiting for permission or perfect conditions, but actively shaping one's reality. It reflects a can-do attitude that's crucial in a dynamic society.
The 'Proactive Power-Up'
Think of `fazer acontecer` as adding rocket fuel to your intentions. It's not just about doing, it's about *driving* the action forward with energy.
It's About YOU!
This phrase puts you in the driver's seat. It emphasizes your personal agency and determination to bring something about.
In 15 Seconds
- Be proactive and make things real.
- Take initiative, don't wait.
- Energetic, determined attitude.
- Turn plans and dreams into reality.
What It Means
This isn't just about doing something; it's about actively bringing it into existence. Fazer acontecer means you're not waiting for things to fall into place. You're the driving force. It carries a strong sense of initiative and empowerment. You're making the impossible possible, or at least making a significant effort to do so. It’s the vibe of a startup founder pitching their big idea, or an athlete pushing through the final mile. It’s about making things happen through your own effort and will. It’s got that "can-do" spirit, but with more oomph!
How To Use It
Use fazer acontecer when you're talking about taking action to achieve a goal. It works perfectly when you want to show commitment and drive. You can use it about yourself, your team, or even encourage someone else. It’s versatile! Think about a project deadline looming. You can say, "Não se preocupe, nós vamos fazer acontecer!" (Don't worry, we'll make it happen!). It's also great for expressing ambition. "Quero fazer acontecer com este meu projeto" (I want to make this project of mine happen). Just remember, it implies active effort, not just wishing.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're planning a surprise party. You tell your friend, "Eu vou fazer acontecer!" (I'll make it happen!). Or maybe your team is facing a tough challenge at work. The leader rallies everyone: "Precisamos fazer acontecer este trimestre." (We need to make this quarter happen.). On social media, someone might post a picture of their new business launch: "Finalmente, vamos fazer acontecer!" (Finally, we're going to make it happen!). It's the sound of ambition meeting action, like a TikTok creator finally launching their viral dance challenge.
When To Use It
This phrase shines when you're talking about goals, projects, or ambitions. Use it when you want to convey a sense of urgency and personal responsibility. It's perfect for motivational speeches or pep talks. "Vamos fazer acontecer na reunião de hoje!" (Let's make it happen in today's meeting!). It’s also great when you’re overcoming obstacles. "O prazo é apertado, mas vamos fazer acontecer." (The deadline is tight, but we'll make it happen.). Think of it as your secret weapon for getting things moving.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid fazer acontecer for simple, everyday tasks that don't require much effort or initiative. Saying "Vou fazer acontecer o meu café" (I'll make my coffee happen) sounds a bit silly, right? It’s too grand for making toast. Also, steer clear if you're just passively observing or describing something that happens on its own. If it’s raining, you wouldn’t say "A chuva vai fazer acontecer" (The rain will make it happen) – it’s already happening! It’s not for things outside your control, unless you're talking about making a *plan* to deal with them.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use it too literally or in the wrong context. Forgetting the "initiative" part is key. Another mistake is using it for passive events. You might think, "Vou fazer acontecer a minha viagem" (I'll make my trip happen) meaning you'll just go. But it's better used for the *planning* and *booking* part. The phrase implies you are the agent of change. Confusing it with just "fazer" (to do) is also common. It’s much more dynamic!
Similar Expressions
There are other ways to express similar ideas, but fazer acontecer has a unique punch. "Realizar" means to achieve or fulfill, which is close but less about the proactive *process*. "Concretizar" means to make something concrete, similar to making a plan real. "Tirar do papel" means to take something off the paper, to start implementing a plan. But fazer acontecer is the most energetic and direct call to action.
Common Variations
Sometimes you'll hear variations that add emphasis. "Vamos fazer acontecer de verdade!" (Let's really make it happen!) adds intensity. You might also hear "Vamos fazer acontecer custe o que custar" (We'll make it happen no matter what). These just amp up the commitment. The core phrase remains the same, though!
Memory Trick
Imagine a Hulk trying to make something happen. He's smashing through obstacles to make it happen! Fazer (to do/make) is the action, and acontecer (to happen) is the result you're forcing into existence. Think of the Hulk shouting: "Eu vou FAZER ACONTECER!" It’s powerful and memorable.
Quick FAQ
- What's the main idea? It's about taking initiative and making things real.
- Is it formal? It can be used in professional settings, but it's generally quite energetic and can lean informal.
- Can I use it for personal goals? Absolutely! It's great for personal ambitions and dreams.
- Does it mean 'to succeed'? Not exactly. It's more about the *effort* to succeed, the process of making it happen, rather than the guaranteed outcome.
Usage Notes
This is a dynamic and energetic phrase, best used when you want to convey proactivity and determination. While it can be used in professional settings to motivate, it leans more towards neutral/informal. Avoid it for simple, everyday actions or natural phenomena. Remember, the key is *your* initiative making something happen.
The 'Proactive Power-Up'
Think of `fazer acontecer` as adding rocket fuel to your intentions. It's not just about doing, it's about *driving* the action forward with energy.
It's About YOU!
This phrase puts you in the driver's seat. It emphasizes your personal agency and determination to bring something about.
Don't Make Mountains Out of Molehills!
Avoid using `fazer acontecer` for trivial tasks like making breakfast. It implies significant effort or overcoming challenges, so save it for when it counts!
The Spirit of Brazilian Ingenuity
This phrase really captures the Brazilian 'can-do' spirit, the knack for finding ways to make things work even when the odds are stacked against you. It's about resourcefulness!
Examples
12Tenho uma ideia incrível para um app, vou `fazer acontecer`!
I have an amazing app idea, I'm going to make it happen!
Shows strong personal commitment to a new project.
Sei que é difícil, mas nós vamos `fazer acontecer` este projeto.
I know it's difficult, but we are going to make this project happen.
Used to motivate a team and express collective determination.
Sem desculpas, só trabalho duro. Vamos `fazer acontecer`! 💪
No excuses, just hard work. Let's make it happen! 💪
Common on social media to show dedication to a personal goal.
Não se preocupe com os detalhes, eu cuido de tudo. Vou `fazer acontecer`!
Don't worry about the details, I'll handle everything. I'll make it happen!
Expresses confidence in taking full responsibility for an event.
Na minha última função, enfrentei muitos desafios, mas consegui `fazer acontecer` a expansão para novos mercados.
In my last role, I faced many challenges, but I managed to make the expansion into new markets happen.
Highlights proactivity and problem-solving skills in a professional context.
Sei que você tem o talento, agora é hora de `fazer acontecer`!
I know you have the talent, now it's time to make it happen!
Motivational phrase to push someone towards achieving their aspirations.
✗ O concerto vai fazer acontecer.
✗ The concert will make happen.
Incorrect because the concert happens on its own; you don't 'make it happen'.
✗ Vou fazer acontecer meu almoço.
✗ I'll make my lunch happen.
This sounds overly dramatic for a simple task like making lunch.
Essa receita parece impossível, mas vamos `fazer acontecer` essa lasanha!
This recipe looks impossible, but we're going to make this lasagna happen!
Humorous exaggeration for a challenging cooking endeavor.
Pessoal, o evento é semana que vem! Precisamos `fazer acontecer`!
Guys, the event is next week! We need to make it happen!
Urgent call to action within a group chat for an upcoming event.
Sempre sonhei em conhecer a Patagônia. Chegou a hora de `fazer acontecer`!
I always dreamed of visiting Patagonia. It's time to make it happen!
Expresses the transition from dreaming to actively planning and executing a travel goal.
Entendi o pedido. Pode deixar, a gente vai `fazer acontecer`.
I understood the request. Leave it to us, we'll make it happen.
Reassurance that a complex task will be completed successfully.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
The phrase 'fazer acontecer' means to make something happen, emphasizing proactive action.
Choose the sentence that uses 'fazer acontecer' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option C correctly uses 'fazer acontecer' to express commitment to achieving a goal (the event). Option A is too casual, B is passive, and D describes a natural event.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While 'fazer acontecer' is a set phrase, when applied to a specific noun like 'a festa', it often sounds more natural to place the noun between 'fazer' and 'acontecer' for clarity and emphasis.
Translate this sentence into English.
'Fazer acontecer' implies taking action to ensure something occurs, fitting perfectly for making an event like a book launch a reality.
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
The phrase 'fazer acontecer' fits the context of bringing a startup idea to life through effort.
Choose the sentence that uses 'fazer acontecer' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option B correctly expresses the proactive effort needed to build a career. Option A is passive, C is slightly unnatural (better 'fazer o jantar acontecer'), and D implies control over a random event.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
Similar to the previous correction, placing the specific event ('a viagem de férias') between 'fazer' and 'acontecer' often creates a more natural and emphatic sentence structure.
Translate this sentence into English.
'Fazer acontecer' signifies the active process of bringing a project to fruition, requiring a plan.
Fill in the blank.
This encourages taking action to realize dreams, perfectly matching the meaning of 'fazer acontecer'.
Choose the sentence that uses 'fazer acontecer' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option C correctly uses 'fazer acontecer' for a desired, proactive change. Option B is slightly hyperbolic, A and D describe natural or systemic occurrences.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
Placing the noun 'a vitória' between 'fazer' and 'acontecer' emphasizes the team's active role in achieving the win.
Translate this sentence into English.
'Fazer acontecer' fits the context of implementing and realizing a technological goal like automation.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for 'Fazer Acontecer'
Casual chats, texting friends, cheering someone on.
Vamos fazer acontecer!
General conversations, social media posts, team meetings.
Precisamos fazer acontecer este projeto.
Professional settings where enthusiasm is encouraged, but with a professional tone.
Nosso objetivo é fazer acontecer a expansão.
Generally not used in highly formal or academic writing.
N/A
Where You'll Hear 'Fazer Acontecer'
Startup Pitch
Vamos fazer acontecer este negócio!
Team Project
Temos que fazer acontecer até sexta-feira.
Personal Goal
Vou fazer acontecer minha meta de fitness.
Social Media
Nova fase! Hora de fazer acontecer! ✨
Overcoming Challenges
O caminho é difícil, mas vamos fazer acontecer.
Event Planning
Podem contar comigo, vou fazer acontecer a festa.
'Fazer Acontecer' vs. Similar Phrases
Contexts for 'Fazer Acontecer'
Ambition
- • Career goals
- • Business ventures
- • Personal dreams
Action
- • Project completion
- • Overcoming obstacles
- • Initiating tasks
Motivation
- • Team pep talks
- • Self-encouragement
- • Inspiring others
Problem-Solving
- • Finding solutions
- • Making things work
- • Achieving difficult outcomes
Practice Bank
12 exercisesNão espere que as coisas melhorem sozinhas, você precisa ___!
The phrase 'fazer acontecer' means to make something happen, emphasizing proactive action.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option C correctly uses 'fazer acontecer' to express commitment to achieving a goal (the event). Option A is too casual, B is passive, and D describes a natural event.
Find and fix the mistake:
Nós vamos fazer acontecer a festa no próximo sábado.
While 'fazer acontecer' is a set phrase, when applied to a specific noun like 'a festa', it often sounds more natural to place the noun between 'fazer' and 'acontecer' for clarity and emphasis.
Ela prometeu que ia fazer acontecer o lançamento do livro.
Hints: Think about the proactive meaning of 'fazer acontecer'., Translate 'lançamento do livro' as 'book launch'.
'Fazer acontecer' implies taking action to ensure something occurs, fitting perfectly for making an event like a book launch a reality.
Com muita determinação, eles conseguiram ___ para a sua startup.
The phrase 'fazer acontecer' fits the context of bringing a startup idea to life through effort.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option B correctly expresses the proactive effort needed to build a career. Option A is passive, C is slightly unnatural (better 'fazer o jantar acontecer'), and D implies control over a random event.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ele prometeu que vai fazer acontecer a viagem de férias.
Similar to the previous correction, placing the specific event ('a viagem de férias') between 'fazer' and 'acontecer' often creates a more natural and emphatic sentence structure.
Precisamos de um plano para fazer acontecer o projeto.
Hints: 'Fazer acontecer' implies active effort., Consider the context of needing a plan.
'Fazer acontecer' signifies the active process of bringing a project to fruition, requiring a plan.
Não fique só sonhando, comece a ___!
This encourages taking action to realize dreams, perfectly matching the meaning of 'fazer acontecer'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option C correctly uses 'fazer acontecer' for a desired, proactive change. Option B is slightly hyperbolic, A and D describe natural or systemic occurrences.
Find and fix the mistake:
O time vai fazer acontecer a vitória.
Placing the noun 'a vitória' between 'fazer' and 'acontecer' emphasizes the team's active role in achieving the win.
Com este novo software, vamos fazer acontecer a automação.
Hints: 'Fazer acontecer' implies implementation., Consider the context of new technology.
'Fazer acontecer' fits the context of implementing and realizing a technological goal like automation.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
21 questionsThe core meaning is to actively make something happen through your own initiative and effort. It's about being proactive rather than passive, taking charge to bring plans, ideas, or goals into reality.
It's generally considered neutral to informal. You can use it in many professional contexts, especially when motivating a team or discussing ambitious projects. However, it carries an energetic vibe that might feel too casual for highly formal academic or bureaucratic settings.
Absolutely! It's perfect for personal ambitions, like career goals, fitness targets, or learning a new skill. Saying 'Eu vou fazer acontecer' shows your commitment to achieving what you set out to do.
'Fazer acontecer' emphasizes the active process and effort involved in bringing something about, often implying overcoming obstacles. 'Realizar' focuses more on the achievement or fulfillment itself, the completion of the goal.
Avoid using it for simple, everyday tasks that require no special effort, like 'making dinner' unless it's a particularly challenging meal. Also, don't use it for events that happen naturally without your intervention, like 'making the sun set'.
It aligns well with the 'jeitinho brasileiro,' which involves resourcefulness and finding creative solutions. 'Fazer acontecer' embodies this spirit by encouraging people to take initiative and make things work, even in challenging circumstances.
Certainly! A manager might say to their team, 'Temos um prazo apertado, mas tenho certeza que vamos fazer acontecer este lançamento.' This conveys determination and a shared goal to succeed despite the time pressure.
You can often place the specific plan or project between 'fazer' and 'acontecer' for emphasis, like 'Vamos fazer o projeto acontecer.' This highlights your focus on that particular item.
Yes, learners sometimes use it too literally or for passive events. Forgetting that it implies *active effort* and *initiative* is a common pitfall. It's not just about something happening, but about *you* making it happen.
Think of a superhero like the Hulk saying, 'Eu vou FAZER ACONTECER!' It connects the action ('fazer') with the forceful result ('acontecer') you are bringing about.
Not necessarily. It implies a strong commitment and effort towards making something happen, but doesn't guarantee the outcome. The focus is on the drive and action taken.
Yes, like many phrases, it can be used sarcastically. If someone is clearly not making an effort, you might say ironically, 'Ah, sim, você vai 'fazer acontecer'...' implying they probably won't.
'Tirar do papel' specifically means to implement a plan or idea that was previously just theoretical ('on paper'). 'Fazer acontecer' is broader and can apply to any goal or situation requiring proactive effort, not just implementing a written plan.
While the core meaning is consistent, the emphasis and frequency of use might vary slightly by region. However, 'fazer acontecer' is widely understood and used across Portuguese-speaking countries.
The most direct and common translation is 'Vamos fazer acontecer!' It's a versatile and energetic rallying cry.
It carries a positive and empowering emotional weight, suggesting determination, ambition, and the confidence to overcome challenges and achieve goals.
Generally, no. It's typically used for positive or neutral goals you want to achieve. Using it for a negative outcome would sound strange unless used sarcastically or to describe making a bad situation worse through action.
The opposite would be passive behavior, like 'ficar esperando' (to wait around), 'deixar para lá' (to let it go), or simply 'não fazer nada' (to do nothing).
Yes, it's quite common! Its energetic and motivational quality makes it a natural fit for inspiring speeches in movies or catchy, empowering lyrics in songs.
You can say 'Vou fazer a festa acontecer' or 'Vamos fazer o evento acontecer'. Placing the event name between 'fazer' and 'acontecer' adds clarity and emphasis on your role in making it successful.
It's a verbal phrase. 'Fazer' is the verb 'to do/make', and 'acontecer' is the infinitive verb 'to happen'. Together, they form a common idiomatic expression.
Related Phrases
Dar um jeito
related topicTo find a way, to sort something out
Both phrases imply resourcefulness and taking action to achieve a desired outcome, often in challenging situations.
Realizar
synonymTo achieve, fulfill, accomplish
While 'fazer acontecer' focuses on the proactive effort, 'realizar' emphasizes the successful completion or fulfillment of a goal.
Tirar do papel
related topicTo implement a plan, bring an idea to life
This phrase specifically refers to moving from planning stages to active execution, which is a key part of 'fazer acontecer'.
Concretizar
synonymTo make concrete, to materialize
Both phrases involve making something tangible or real, but 'fazer acontecer' often carries a stronger sense of personal drive and overcoming difficulty.
Não desistir
related topicNot to give up
The determination implied in 'fazer acontecer' often requires the persistence captured by the phrase 'não desistir'.
Botar pra quebrar
informal versionTo go all out, to give it your all
This is a more informal and intense way to say you're going to give maximum effort, similar in spirit to 'fazer acontecer' but more slangy.