Meaning
To temporarily fulfill the role or function of someone else.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, while 'fazer as vezes de' is used in formal writing, the concept of 'gambiarra' (improvised solution) often uses this phrase when described in a more sophisticated way. In Portugal, the phrase is often used in the context of traditional roles, such as in village festivals where someone might 'fazer as vezes' of a historical figure. In African Lusophone countries, this phrase is common in formal administrative contexts, reflecting the Portuguese colonial administrative legacy. Classic authors like Machado de Assis frequently used this phrase to describe social pretension or the fluidity of identity in 19th-century Rio de Janeiro.
The Crase Trap
Never, ever put a crase on 'as vezes' in this expression. It is the #1 mistake that will make you look like a beginner.
Professional Polish
Use this in LinkedIn recommendations to describe how a colleague stepped up during a transition.
Meaning
To temporarily fulfill the role or function of someone else.
The Crase Trap
Never, ever put a crase on 'as vezes' in this expression. It is the #1 mistake that will make you look like a beginner.
Professional Polish
Use this in LinkedIn recommendations to describe how a colleague stepped up during a transition.
Irony
You can use this phrase sarcastically to describe someone who is being bossy: 'Ele está fazendo as vezes de dono do mundo hoje.'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Na ausência do anfitrião, o seu irmão ______ (Pretérito Perfeito) as vezes de dono da casa.
The sentence refers to a completed action in the past (the host was absent, so the brother acted).
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the option that avoids common mistakes.
No crase, plural 'vezes', and preposition 'de'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Não temos uma faca para cortar o pão!' B: 'Não faz mal, esta régua de metal pode ______.'
Using an object as a substitute requires the standard form of the idiom.
Match the sentence to the correct register.
1. 'Ele tá quebrando o galho.' 2. 'Ele faz as vezes de gerente.'
'Quebrar o galho' is a very common Brazilian informal idiom, while 'fazer as vezes de' is formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNa ausência do anfitrião, o seu irmão ______ (Pretérito Perfeito) as vezes de dono da casa.
The sentence refers to a completed action in the past (the host was absent, so the brother acted).
Select the option that avoids common mistakes.
No crase, plural 'vezes', and preposition 'de'.
A: 'Não temos uma faca para cortar o pão!' B: 'Não faz mal, esta régua de metal pode ______.'
Using an object as a substitute requires the standard form of the idiom.
1. 'Ele tá quebrando o galho.' 2. 'Ele faz as vezes de gerente.'
'Quebrar o galho' is a very common Brazilian informal idiom, while 'fazer as vezes de' is formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it implies a temporary or improvised situation. For permanent roles, use 'assumir o cargo' or 'ser'.
In this phrase, it is always 'as vezes' (no accent). 'Às vezes' means 'sometimes'.
Yes, but it is more formal. In daily life, Brazilians might say 'substituir' or 'quebrar o galho'.
Yes, it is very common for objects. 'O balde fez as vezes de cadeira'.
'Atuar como' is more literal and modern. 'Fazer as vezes de' is more idiomatic and carries a sense of 'stepping into someone's shoes'.
Yes, you conjugate it normally according to the subject and tense (eu faço, ele fez, eles faziam).
Absolutely. It sounds very professional and shows high-level vocabulary.
Yes, it is standard across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Yes. 'O cão fez as vezes de babá' (The dog acted as a nanny).
The word 'vezes' is already plural. You don't change it.
Related Phrases
Substituir
synonymTo replace or substitute.
Quebrar o galho
similarTo improvise a solution or do a favor.
Atuar como
similarTo act as.
Servir de
similarTo serve as.
