Meaning
To arrange or prepare for future events.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'fazer planos' is often used in the gerund form 'fazendo planos'. There is a cultural tendency to be flexible with plans, often referred to as 'jeitinho', where plans can change at the last minute. In Portugal, people tend to be more punctual and formal with their 'planos'. If you 'faz planos' with someone, it is generally expected that you will follow through. The phrase 'Estou a fazer planos' is the standard way to express the ongoing action. In Luanda, 'fazer planos' is often linked to social gatherings and 'kizombadas'. Planning is a communal activity, and the phrase is used frequently in the context of family and community events. In Mozambique, planning often involves navigating logistical challenges. 'Fazer planos' might involve checking if there is transport or if the weather allows for travel between provinces.
Plural is Key
Always use the plural 'planos' for social intentions to sound more natural.
Irregular Verb
Remember that 'fazer' is irregular. 'Eu faço' is the most common mistake for beginners who say 'eu fazo'.
Meaning
To arrange or prepare for future events.
Plural is Key
Always use the plural 'planos' for social intentions to sound more natural.
Irregular Verb
Remember that 'fazer' is irregular. 'Eu faço' is the most common mistake for beginners who say 'eu fazo'.
Preposition Choice
Use 'para' for time (para amanhã) and 'de' for actions (de viajar).
Social Politeness
In Brazil, 'vamos fazer planos' can just be a way to be friendly without a fixed date.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'fazer' in the present tense.
Eu e a Maria ______ planos para o jantar de amanhã.
Since the subject is 'Eu e a Maria' (We), the correct conjugation is 'fazemos'.
Which sentence is the most natural for a social context?
How do you ask a friend about their weekend?
We use the plural 'planos' and the preposition 'para' for time periods.
Complete the dialogue with the correct past tense form.
Rui: 'Vocês já decidiram o que fazer?' Ana: 'Sim, nós ______ planos ontem.'
The subject is 'nós' and the context is 'ontem' (yesterday), so we use the preterite 'fizemos'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are talking about your long-term career goals.
'Carreira' (career) fits the long-term context better than dinner or movies.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Fazer vs. Ter Planos
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu e a Maria ______ planos para o jantar de amanhã.
Since the subject is 'Eu e a Maria' (We), the correct conjugation is 'fazemos'.
How do you ask a friend about their weekend?
We use the plural 'planos' and the preposition 'para' for time periods.
Rui: 'Vocês já decidiram o que fazer?' Ana: 'Sim, nós ______ planos ontem.'
The subject is 'nós' and the context is 'ontem' (yesterday), so we use the preterite 'fizemos'.
Situation: You are talking about your long-term career goals.
'Carreira' (career) fits the long-term context better than dinner or movies.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's grammatically correct but sounds very formal or corporate. Stick to 'fazer planos' for daily life.
Yes, but 'fazer planos' is more common in spoken European Portuguese, while 'planejar' is very common in Brazil.
You say 'Não tenho planos' or 'Não fiz planos'.
No, for a phone plan or insurance, you just use 'plano' (e.g., 'meu plano de celular'). You don't 'make' it in the same way.
'Para' is for nouns/time (para o verão), 'de' is for verbs (de ir à praia).
Usually 'fazer planos' (without the article) unless you are referring to specific plans already mentioned.
Use 'Estou a fazer planos'.
Use 'Estou fazendo planos'.
Yes, you can 'fazer planos' for a crime, but 'tramar' or 'maquinar' are more specific for that.
It is neutral. It works in all settings.
It's a 'Plan B'—a backup plan. You can say 'Temos de fazer um plano B'.
Yes, it means 'to make plans with you'.
Related Phrases
Ter planos
similarTo have plans already made.
Traçar planos
specialized formTo map out or outline plans.
Planejar
synonymTo plan.
Combinar algo
similarTo arrange something with someone.
Projetar
specialized formTo project or design.
Deixar rolar
contrastTo let things happen naturally.
