In 15 Seconds
- Doing small, one-off manual jobs for extra cash.
- Often involves transporting goods or helping people move.
- A staple phrase of the informal 'gig' economy.
- Casual and practical language for everyday life.
Meaning
It describes taking on small, temporary jobs or errands to earn extra money. It is often used for physical tasks like moving furniture or making deliveries.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking a friend about their brother's job
O meu irmão está a fazer fretes com a carrinha dele.
My brother is doing odd jobs with his van.
Hiring someone to move a fridge
Preciso de alguém que faça fretes para levar este frigorífico.
I need someone who does small deliveries to take this fridge.
Discussing finances in a meeting
Muitas pessoas recorrem a fazer fretes para complementar o rendimento.
Many people resort to doing odd jobs to supplement their income.
Cultural Background
The phrase stems from the maritime and transport history of Portugal and Brazil. It highlights the importance of the informal labor market in Lusophone societies. It is deeply tied to the image of the 'kombi' or small truck driver helping families move house.
The 'Bico' Alternative
If the job doesn't involve a vehicle, Brazilians often use 'fazer um bico' instead. It’s even more informal!
Not for Favors
Don't use this if you're helping a friend for free. That's a 'favor'. 'Frete' implies you're getting paid.
In 15 Seconds
- Doing small, one-off manual jobs for extra cash.
- Often involves transporting goods or helping people move.
- A staple phrase of the informal 'gig' economy.
- Casual and practical language for everyday life.
What It Means
Fazer fretes is all about the hustle. It originally referred to truck drivers carrying cargo for a fee. Today, it describes anyone doing small, one-off jobs to make ends meet. It is the Portuguese version of the 'gig economy' before that term existed. Think of it as manual labor or specialized errands for cash.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone faz fretes as a side hustle. It usually implies physical work or using a vehicle. If you help a friend move for money, you are doing a frete. It is very common in everyday conversation. You will hear it in neighborhoods and business districts alike.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing how someone earns extra money. It is perfect for casual chats about work. Use it when you need to hire someone for a small task. For example, if you bought a sofa and need it delivered. It sounds natural and shows you understand local labor culture. It is a very practical, down-to-earth expression.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for professional office consulting. It sounds too 'blue-collar' for a corporate setting. Avoid using it for long-term, stable employment. If you have a 9-to-5 job, you don't fazer fretes there. Also, don't use it for favors you do for free. If there is no payment, it is just a favor or ajuda.
Cultural Background
In Brazil and Portugal, the informal economy is huge. Many people rely on these small jobs to survive. The freteiro (the person doing the job) is a common figure. They often have 'Fretes' written on the side of old vans. It reflects a culture of resourcefulness and hard work. It is a respected way to earn an honest living.
Common Variations
You might hear fazer um bico which is very similar. While frete usually involves transport, bico is any quick job. In some regions, people just say estou no frete to mean they are working. You can also use it figuratively in some places. It can mean doing something tedious for someone else, but that is less common.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral to informal. It is perfectly safe to use with neighbors, friends, and local businesses, but avoid it in high-level corporate environments unless you are specifically discussing logistics.
The 'Bico' Alternative
If the job doesn't involve a vehicle, Brazilians often use 'fazer um bico' instead. It’s even more informal!
Not for Favors
Don't use this if you're helping a friend for free. That's a 'favor'. 'Frete' implies you're getting paid.
Look for the Signs
In many Portuguese-speaking cities, you'll see hand-written signs on lamp posts that just say 'Fretes' with a phone number.
Examples
6O meu irmão está a fazer fretes com a carrinha dele.
My brother is doing odd jobs with his van.
Standard use describing a side hustle.
Preciso de alguém que faça fretes para levar este frigorífico.
I need someone who does small deliveries to take this fridge.
Using the phrase to seek a service.
Muitas pessoas recorrem a fazer fretes para complementar o rendimento.
Many people resort to doing odd jobs to supplement their income.
Slightly more structured but still uses the common term.
Hoje não posso, estou a fazer uns fretes para ganhar um extra.
I can't today, I'm doing some gigs to earn extra.
Short and functional for a text message.
O vizinho faz tantos fretes que a carrinha já pede reforma!
The neighbor does so many odd jobs that his van is ready to retire!
Playful exaggeration about someone working too much.
Desde que perdi o emprego, tenho feito fretes para pagar as contas.
Since I lost my job, I've been doing odd jobs to pay the bills.
Shows the phrase used in a serious, survival context.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Ele comprou uma carrinha nova para ___ aos fins de semana.
The verb 'fazer' (to do/make) is the standard collocation used with 'fretes'.
Choose the most natural word to complete this informal thought.
O Paulo ganha bem a fazer ___ de mudanças.
'Fretes' specifically refers to the transport/moving jobs mentioned ('mudanças').
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Fazer Fretes'
Very informal street talk
Fazer um bico
Daily talk with friends
Fazer fretes
Standard description
Trabalho temporário
When to use 'Fazer Fretes'
Moving House
Helping a neighbor move boxes
Side Hustle
Using your car to deliver items
Extra Cash
Doing a one-day manual task
Hiring Help
Looking for a local van driver
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEle comprou uma carrinha nova para ___ aos fins de semana.
The verb 'fazer' (to do/make) is the standard collocation used with 'fretes'.
O Paulo ganha bem a fazer ___ de mudanças.
'Fretes' specifically refers to the transport/moving jobs mentioned ('mudanças').
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt literally means 'to do freights.' It comes from the word frete, which refers to the cost of transporting goods.
No, it is almost exclusively used for physical or manual labor, especially involving transport. For an office gig, use trabalho freelancer.
Not at all! It implies they are hardworking and resourceful. It's a very common way to describe a side hustle.
Yes, both countries use it, though Brazilians might use fazer bicos more frequently for general odd jobs.
Usually, it involves some kind of vehicle like a carrinha or caminhão, but it can refer to any small manual job.
Yes, you can say 'O frete ficou caro' to mean 'The delivery/transport cost was expensive.'
They are often called a freteiro. You'll see this word on business cards or signs.
In some slang contexts in Portugal, fazer um frete can mean doing something you don't want to do as a nuisance, like Que frete! (What a drag!).
No, on a resume you should use Trabalhador independente or Serviços de transporte.
You can ask: Tu fazes fretes? Preciso de ajuda com uma mudança.
Related Phrases
Fazer um bico
To do a side job / gig
Ganhar uns trocos
To earn some pocket money
Trabalho temporário
Temporary work
Mão de obra
Manual labor / manpower
