Meaning
Deal with a difficult situation or challenge directly and courageously.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, 'fazer frente' is often used in the context of 'austeridade' (austerity). During economic crises, news reports constantly discuss how families 'fazem frente' to rising costs. In Brazil, the phrase is heavily used in political activism. It appears in slogans of movements that 'fazem frente' to social injustice or environmental destruction. In Angolan Portuguese, the phrase is common in formal administrative and legal language, often regarding the state's ability to provide for its citizens. Similar to other Lusophone countries, it is used in the context of natural disasters, describing how the country 'faz frente' to cyclones and floods.
Use it in Business
In a Portuguese job interview, using 'fazer frente a' instead of 'resolver' will make you sound much more professional and high-level.
The 'A' Trap
Never forget the 'a'. Saying 'fazer frente o problema' is a common error that sounds very jarring to native ears.
Meaning
Deal with a difficult situation or challenge directly and courageously.
Use it in Business
In a Portuguese job interview, using 'fazer frente a' instead of 'resolver' will make you sound much more professional and high-level.
The 'A' Trap
Never forget the 'a'. Saying 'fazer frente o problema' is a common error that sounds very jarring to native ears.
Brazilian Nuance
If you want to sound more like a local in Rio or São Paulo during a heated discussion, use 'bater de frente' instead.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta (ao, à, aos, às).
A empresa investiu em tecnologia para fazer frente ____ concorrência.
'Concorrência' is a feminine singular noun, so 'a' (preposition) + 'a' (article) = 'à'.
Qual frase usa a expressão corretamente em um contexto financeiro?
Escolha a opção correta:
This correctly uses the phrase to mean 'covering/managing' expenses with the correct preposition and contraction.
Combine a frase com o contexto mais provável.
Frase: 'O exército fez frente ao avanço inimigo.'
The phrase has military origins and is used here in its literal/historical sense.
Complete o diálogo de forma natural.
A: 'A carga horária deste semestre está pesadíssima!' B: 'Pois é, não sei se vou conseguir _________ a tanto estudo.'
'Fazer frente' is the correct idiomatic expression for handling a heavy workload.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Fazer Frente A vs. Bater de Frente
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA empresa investiu em tecnologia para fazer frente ____ concorrência.
'Concorrência' is a feminine singular noun, so 'a' (preposition) + 'a' (article) = 'à'.
Escolha a opção correta:
This correctly uses the phrase to mean 'covering/managing' expenses with the correct preposition and contraction.
Frase: 'O exército fez frente ao avanço inimigo.'
The phrase has military origins and is used here in its literal/historical sense.
A: 'A carga horária deste semestre está pesadíssima!' B: 'Pois é, não sei se vou conseguir _________ a tanto estudo.'
'Fazer frente' is the correct idiomatic expression for handling a heavy workload.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can use it when standing up to an opponent, a boss, or a bully. Example: 'Ele fez frente ao agressor.'
Mostly, yes. However, 'fazer frente a' often implies having the resources or strength to withstand something, while 'enfrentar' is just the act of facing it.
It's more common in formal or professional speech. In casual talk, people might use 'dar conta' or 'aguentar'.
It's a fixed idiomatic expression. Adding an article (fazer a frente) would change the meaning or make it ungrammatical.
Usually, no. It's almost always used for challenges, obstacles, costs, or opponents.
Use the past tense of 'fazer': 'Eu fiz frente', 'Ele fez frente', 'Nós fizemos frente'.
No. For physical direction, use 'estar de frente para' or 'ficar de frente para'.
Yes, it is a standard expression across the entire Lusophone world.
It's redundant. 'Fazer frente a' already implies opposition. Stick to 'a'.
The opposite would be 'ceder a' (to yield to) or 'recuar diante de' (to retreat before).
Related Phrases
Bater de frente
similarTo clash directly with someone.
Dar a cara
similarTo show up and take responsibility.
Fazer de conta
contrastTo pretend.
Dar conta de
similarTo manage or handle a task.
Arcar com
specialized formTo bear (costs or consequences).
