In 15 Seconds
- Acting like a spoiled child to get attention or avoid tasks.
- Commonly used for kids, romantic partners, or even stubborn pets.
- Translates to whining, pouting, or being fussy in a childish way.
Meaning
It describes when someone is acting like a spoiled child, whining, or being fussy to get attention or avoid doing something. It is that specific behavior of pouting or dragging your feet when you don't get your way.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a toddler at the mall
O bebê está fazendo manha porque quer o brinquedo.
The baby is whining because he wants the toy.
Teasing a friend who doesn't want to go out
Para de fazer manha e vamos logo para a festa!
Stop whining and let's go to the party already!
A husband wanting attention from his wife
Ele faz manha só para ganhar um cafuné.
He pouts just to get a hair scratch.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'manha' is closely tied to 'dengo'. It's common for adults to use it in relationships to ask for affection without being direct. Portuguese people are more likely to use 'fazer fitas' or 'fazer birra'. 'Fazer manha' is recognized but often associated with Brazilian soap operas (telenovelas). In Angolan Portuguese, 'fazer manha' is used similarly to Brazil, often describing a child who is 'mimado' (spoiled). On TikTok and Instagram, 'fazer manha' is a popular tag for videos of pets (especially Golden Retrievers) acting dramatic.
The Tilde Trap
Never write 'fazer manhã'. It's the most common spelling error for learners and changes the meaning completely.
Use it for Pets
It's a very natural way to sound like a native speaker when talking about your dog or cat begging for food.
In 15 Seconds
- Acting like a spoiled child to get attention or avoid tasks.
- Commonly used for kids, romantic partners, or even stubborn pets.
- Translates to whining, pouting, or being fussy in a childish way.
What It Means
Fazer manha is all about that childish behavior we see in toddlers. It is the whining, the pouting, and the fake crying. When an adult does it, it means they are being difficult. They might want extra attention or just feel lazy. Think of it as 'acting like a brat' but sometimes in a cute way.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone 'is doing' manha. Use the verb estar for temporary behavior: Ele está fazendo manha. It is very common when talking about kids. However, we use it for partners, friends, and even pets. If your dog won't eat his kibble because he wants steak, he is fazendo manha.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend complains about a short walk. Use it when your partner wants a hug and acts grumpy. It fits perfectly at a dinner table when someone is picky. It is great for lighthearted teasing among friends. You can also use it to describe a car that won't start. 'My car is fazendo manha today!'
When NOT To Use It
Never use this in a serious professional crisis. If your boss is genuinely angry, do not say they are fazendo manha. It trivializes their feelings and might get you fired. Avoid it during deep emotional arguments where someone is truly hurt. It sounds dismissive if the situation is actually grave.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, manha can also mean a 'trick' or 'knack' for something. But fazer manha is purely about the behavior. It reflects the warm, expressive nature of Brazilian culture. We often use 'baby talk' or 'manhês' to describe this. It shows how we value emotional expression, even the annoying kind.
Common Variations
You might hear manhoso for someone who does this often. There is also dengo, which is a sweeter, more affectionate version. While manha can be annoying, dengo is usually a loving request for cuddles. Don't confuse them if you are trying to be romantic!
Usage Notes
The phrase is informal and best suited for friends, family, or romantic partners. Be cautious with the pronunciation of the 'nh' sound and ensure you don't add a nasal tilde like in 'manhã' (morning).
The Tilde Trap
Never write 'fazer manhã'. It's the most common spelling error for learners and changes the meaning completely.
Use it for Pets
It's a very natural way to sound like a native speaker when talking about your dog or cat begging for food.
The Romantic Manha
In Brazil, don't be offended if a partner says you are 'fazendo manha'. They might actually find it cute!
Examples
6O bebê está fazendo manha porque quer o brinquedo.
The baby is whining because he wants the toy.
The most literal and common use for children.
Para de fazer manha e vamos logo para a festa!
Stop whining and let's go to the party already!
Used to push a friend to stop being lazy.
Ele faz manha só para ganhar um cafuné.
He pouts just to get a hair scratch.
Shows a romantic, slightly manipulative but cute context.
Meu computador está fazendo manha para ligar hoje.
My computer is being fussy about turning on today.
Personifying an object that isn't working right.
O fornecedor está fazendo manha para entregar o relatório.
The supplier is dragging their feet on delivering the report.
A slightly more biting way to say someone is being difficult.
O Rex tá fazendo manha pra comer a ração nova.
Rex is being picky about eating the new dog food.
Very common for pets who want treats instead of food.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'fazer manha'.
O bebê não quer comer, ele só quer __________.
After 'quer' (wants), we use the infinitive form.
Which situation best describes 'fazer manha'?
A person is...
'Manha' is about pouting for attention or small desires, not real pain.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Vamos, já estamos atrasados!' B: 'Ah, não quero ir, está frio...' A: 'Pare de __________ e vamos logo!'
Remember: no tilde on the 'a' for this idiom!
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Who makes manha?
Common Subjects
- • Toddlers
- • Pets
- • Romantic Partners
- • Lazy Friends
Practice Bank
3 exercisesO bebê não quer comer, ele só quer __________.
After 'quer' (wants), we use the infinitive form.
A person is...
'Manha' is about pouting for attention or small desires, not real pain.
A: 'Vamos, já estamos atrasados!' B: 'Ah, não quero ir, está frio...' A: 'Pare de __________ e vamos logo!'
Remember: no tilde on the 'a' for this idiom!
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's very disrespectful. It implies your boss is acting like a child.
Usually, but it can be used affectionately for a child or a pet who likes to cuddle.
'Birra' is an explosion of anger (tantrum). 'Manha' is a manipulative pout.
You can say 'Para de fazer manha!' or 'Deixa de manha!'
Related Phrases
fazer birra
similarTo have a tantrum
fazer beicinho
specialized formTo pout (literally 'make a little lip')
ser manhoso
builds onTo be a pouter or to be cunning
fazer fita
synonymTo show off or act dramatic
dar um gelo
contrastTo give the silent treatment
mimar
relatedTo spoil someone
