In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe trying hard or putting in work.
- Combines the verb 'fazer' (to do) with 'esforço' (effort).
- Works in both professional and casual daily life.
Meaning
It means putting in the work or trying your hardest to achieve something. It is that extra push you give when things aren't easy.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a new habit
Estou a fazer um esforço para beber mais água.
I am making an effort to drink more water.
At the gym with a trainer
Tens de fazer mais esforço neste exercício!
You have to put in more effort in this exercise!
In a business meeting
A nossa equipa vai fazer um esforço para entregar o projeto hoje.
Our team will make an effort to deliver the project today.
Cultural Background
In Lusophone cultures, showing effort is often as important as the result itself. It reflects a social value of 'empenho' (commitment). Using this phrase in a social context signals that you are a 'gente boa' (a good person) who tries their best for others.
The 'Vou tentar' vs 'Vou fazer um esforço' trick
Saying 'Vou tentar' (I'll try) can sound a bit non-committal. 'Vou fazer um esforço' sounds much more dedicated and sincere.
Don't say 'fazer um trabalho'
English speakers often confuse 'effort' with 'work'. If you mean you are trying hard, always use 'esforço', not 'trabalho'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe trying hard or putting in work.
- Combines the verb 'fazer' (to do) with 'esforço' (effort).
- Works in both professional and casual daily life.
What It Means
Fazer esforço is your go-to phrase for trying hard. It is about physical or mental energy. It means you are not just doing something. You are pushing yourself. It is the difference between walking and hiking uphill. It covers everything from studying late to lifting a heavy box.
How To Use It
You use it just like 'to try' or 'to make an effort'. In Portuguese, we 'do' (fazer) the effort. You can use it with a verb using para. For example: Faço um esforço para acordar cedo. I make an effort to wake up early. You can also use it alone. If someone asks if you can finish a task, say Vou fazer um esforço. It shows you are committed but honest about the difficulty.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to show you are trying. It works great at work when a deadline is tight. Use it with friends when you are trying to make a party. It is perfect for talking about personal goals. 'I am making an effort to eat better.' It sounds sincere and hardworking. It is a very positive thing to say to a teacher or a boss.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are effortless. If you enjoy eating chocolate, don't say you faz esforço to eat it. That sounds like a weird medical problem! Also, avoid it if you want to sound 100% certain. Saying Vou fazer um esforço sometimes implies you might fail. If your spouse asks if you'll remember their birthday, just say 'Yes'. Don't say you'll 'make an effort' unless you want to sleep on the couch.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value the idea of 'luta' or struggle. Hard work is respected in the culture. Fazer esforço is the polite way to show you care. Even if you can't do something, saying you'll make the effort is a sign of respect. It shows you aren't just saying 'no'. You are acknowledging the importance of the request.
Common Variations
You can add adjectives to change the scale. Fazer um grande esforço means a huge effort. Fazer o mínimo esforço means doing the bare minimum. Sometimes people say esforçar-se. This is the reflexive version. It means 'to exert oneself'. Both are very common in daily life. Use fazer esforço for a more conversational feel.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation suitable for any social situation. Be careful with the pronunciation of 'esforço'—the 'o' at the end is often very soft, almost like a 'u'.
The 'Vou tentar' vs 'Vou fazer um esforço' trick
Saying 'Vou tentar' (I'll try) can sound a bit non-committal. 'Vou fazer um esforço' sounds much more dedicated and sincere.
Don't say 'fazer um trabalho'
English speakers often confuse 'effort' with 'work'. If you mean you are trying hard, always use 'esforço', not 'trabalho'.
The 'Valer a pena' connection
If your 'esforço' works out, we say 'valeu a pena' (it was worth the pain/trouble). It's the perfect follow-up!
Examples
6Estou a fazer um esforço para beber mais água.
I am making an effort to drink more water.
Shows personal commitment to a goal.
Tens de fazer mais esforço neste exercício!
You have to put in more effort in this exercise!
Used for physical exertion.
A nossa equipa vai fazer um esforço para entregar o projeto hoje.
Our team will make an effort to deliver the project today.
Professional way to show dedication to a deadline.
Vou fazer um esforço para ir, mas saio tarde do trabalho.
I'll make an effort to go, but I leave work late.
A polite way to say 'I'll try my best to be there'.
Fazer esforço para não comer pizza é a coisa mais difícil do mundo!
Making an effort not to eat pizza is the hardest thing in the world!
Hyperbole used for comedic effect.
Eu sei que fizeste um grande esforço, não te preocupes.
I know you made a great effort, don't worry.
Validating someone's hard work regardless of the outcome.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
Eu ___ um esforço para aprender português todos os dias.
In Portuguese, you 'do' (fazer) an effort, you don't 'give' or 'have' it in this context.
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Ela faz um esforço ___ chegar a horas.
We use 'para' (to/in order to) followed by an infinitive verb to show the goal of the effort.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Fazer Esforço'
Talking to friends about chores.
Faz um esforço e limpa o quarto!
Standard daily communication.
Vou fazer um esforço.
Professional or academic settings.
É necessário fazer um esforço conjunto.
Where to use 'Fazer Esforço'
At the Gym
Lifting heavy weights.
Office
Meeting a tight deadline.
Language School
Practicing difficult pronunciation.
Relationships
Trying to be more patient.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEu ___ um esforço para aprender português todos os dias.
In Portuguese, you 'do' (fazer) an effort, you don't 'give' or 'have' it in this context.
Ela faz um esforço ___ chegar a horas.
We use 'para' (to/in order to) followed by an infinitive verb to show the goal of the effort.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! You can use it for mental tasks like fazer um esforço para entender (making an effort to understand) or emotional ones.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. For example: Faremos um esforço para responder o mais breve possível (We will make an effort to reply as soon as possible).
Fazer esforço is a phrase (verb + noun), while esforçar-se is a reflexive verb. They mean the same thing, but esforçar-se is slightly more formal.
You can say Estou a fazer o meu melhor or Estou a fazer um grande esforço.
Yes, it is used exactly the same way in both countries. It is a universal Portuguese expression.
Usually, it's positive, but you can say someone is fazer esforço para ser chato (trying hard to be annoying) if you're being sarcastic.
It is masculine. So you say o esforço or um esforço.
You can say sem esforço (without effort) or não fez nenhum esforço (didn't make any effort).
No, dar esforço is not a standard collocation. Stick with fazer.
Yes! Parents often tell kids: Faz um esforço e come a sopa (Make an effort and eat the soup).
Related Phrases
dar o máximo
empenhar-se
tentar a todo o custo
valer a pena
