In 15 Seconds
- To treat someone or something as unimportant or trivial.
- Always use the preposition 'de' after the phrase.
- Implies a dismissive attitude or intentional lack of interest.
Meaning
It means to treat something or someone as if they aren't important. You use it when someone is being dismissive, belittling an idea, or acting like something is no big deal when it actually is.
Key Examples
3 of 6Complaining about a rude waiter
O garçom fez pouco caso do nosso pedido.
The waiter disregarded our order.
Discussing a job interview
Senti que o entrevistador fez pouco caso da minha experiência.
I felt the interviewer belittled my experience.
Texting a friend about a crush
Eu mandei mensagem e ele fez pouco caso, nem respondeu.
I sent a message and he didn't care, he didn't even reply.
Cultural Background
In Lusophone cultures, social validation is key to building relationships. 'Fazer pouco caso' is often used in 'novelas' (soap operas) to depict a villain's arrogance or a protagonist's heartbreak. It highlights the high value placed on empathy and mutual respect in daily interactions.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember the 'de'. If you just say 'Ele fez pouco caso', it sounds incomplete unless the object was already mentioned. Usually, it's 'fez pouco caso de algo'.
Not for Forgetting
Don't use this for 'I forgot my wallet'. Use it when someone treats your wallet like it's a piece of trash.
In 15 Seconds
- To treat someone or something as unimportant or trivial.
- Always use the preposition 'de' after the phrase.
- Implies a dismissive attitude or intentional lack of interest.
What It Means
Imagine you show a friend your new shoes. Instead of a compliment, they shrug and look away. That is fazer pouco caso. It is the act of diminishing the value of something. It is not just ignoring; it is an active choice to show lack of interest. You are literally making 'little' of the 'case' or situation. It feels like a cold shoulder or a snub.
How To Use It
You use it like a standard verb phrase. You can say someone fez pouco caso de something. Always remember the preposition de after the phrase. It works for people, objects, or even abstract ideas. If your boss ignores your suggestion, he fez pouco caso da sua ideia. It is very common in spoken Portuguese. It flows naturally in almost any conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when you feel slighted or ignored. It is perfect for venting to a friend about a bad date. Use it at work when a colleague dismisses your hard work. It fits well in emotional discussions too. If you feel your partner isn't listening, this is your phrase. It captures that specific sting of being undervalued. It is great for describing social dynamics or gossip.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for accidental forgetfulness. If someone forgets their keys, they didn't fazer pouco caso. That was just a mistake. This phrase implies a level of intent or attitude. Avoid it in extremely technical reports where 'negligenciar' might be better. Also, do not use it if you are the one being humble. It usually describes a negative behavior from someone else. It is rarely a compliment!
Cultural Background
Brazilians are generally very warm and attentive people. Because of this, social 'indifference' is seen as quite rude. Fazer pouco caso is a significant social offense in Brazil. It goes against the culture of 'simpatia' and being welcoming. Historically, it reflects a society that values being seen and acknowledged. To be 'made little of' is a blow to one's social standing.
Common Variations
You might hear desdenhar, which is more formal. Some people say dar de ombros (to shrug). In very informal settings, you might hear cagar para (to poop on), but be careful! That last one is very vulgar. Stick to fazer pouco caso for a safe, expressive middle ground. It is the 'Goldilocks' of dismissive phrases—just right for most situations.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into neutral and informal registers perfectly. In very formal writing, you might prefer 'menosprezar' or 'negligenciar', but in speech, 'fazer pouco caso' is the most natural choice.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember the 'de'. If you just say 'Ele fez pouco caso', it sounds incomplete unless the object was already mentioned. Usually, it's 'fez pouco caso de algo'.
Not for Forgetting
Don't use this for 'I forgot my wallet'. Use it when someone treats your wallet like it's a piece of trash.
The Silent Snub
In Brazil, 'fazer pouco caso' is often non-verbal. A simple eye roll or a 'tá' (okay) with a sigh is the ultimate 'pouco caso'.
Examples
6O garçom fez pouco caso do nosso pedido.
The waiter disregarded our order.
Shows the waiter was dismissive of the customers.
Senti que o entrevistador fez pouco caso da minha experiência.
I felt the interviewer belittled my experience.
Used to describe a professional slight.
Eu mandei mensagem e ele fez pouco caso, nem respondeu.
I sent a message and he didn't care, he didn't even reply.
Common in dating contexts to describe being 'ghosted' or ignored.
Não faça pouco caso dos seus estudos, filho.
Don't neglect your studies, son.
Used as a warning to take something seriously.
Você faz pouco caso do meu talento para o karaokê!
You are disregarding my karaoke talent!
Playful use when a friend teases you.
A empresa fez pouco caso das reclamações dos clientes.
The company ignored the customers' complaints.
Describes a corporate lack of responsibility.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
Ela fez pouco caso ___ meu presente.
The phrase 'fazer pouco caso' always requires the preposition 'de'. Since 'presente' is masculine, 'de + o' becomes 'do'.
Which verb form correctly completes this past-tense complaint?
Ontem, eles ___ pouco caso de mim na reunião.
'Fizeram' is the third-person plural in the Pretérito Perfeito (simple past), matching 'Ontem' (yesterday).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Disregard
Vulgar or slangy
Cagar para
Perfect for daily life
Fazer pouco caso
Literary or professional
Desdenhar
When to use 'Fazer Pouco Caso'
Bad Service
Waiter ignores you
Dating
Unanswered texts
Workplace
Idea gets dismissed
Friendship
Friend mocks your hobby
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEla fez pouco caso ___ meu presente.
The phrase 'fazer pouco caso' always requires the preposition 'de'. Since 'presente' is masculine, 'de + o' becomes 'do'.
Ontem, eles ___ pouco caso de mim na reunião.
'Fizeram' is the third-person plural in the Pretérito Perfeito (simple past), matching 'Ontem' (yesterday).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means to treat something as insignificant or to be dismissive. For example, Ele fez pouco caso da minha dor means he didn't take my pain seriously.
The phrase itself isn't rude, but it describes rude behavior. You can use it safely to complain about someone else's attitude.
Yes, it is neutral enough for professional settings. You might say, Não podemos fazer pouco caso da concorrência (We can't underestimate the competition).
Ignorar is just not paying attention. Fazer pouco caso implies a judgmental or dismissive attitude behind the ignoring.
You conjugate the verb fazer. For example: eu faço, ele fez, nós fizemos. The rest of the phrase stays the same.
Yes, tô nem aí or the more vulgar cagar para. Stick to fazer pouco caso unless you are with very close friends.
Absolutely. If someone throws a valuable book on the floor, they are fazendo pouco caso do livro.
Yes, it always takes de. Remember to contract it with articles: de + o = do, de + a = da.
Yes, it is widely understood and used across the Portuguese-speaking world, including Portugal and Angola.
Forgetting the de or using com. Don't say fez pouco caso com o meu trabalho; say do meu trabalho.
Related Phrases
dar de ombros
to shrug (indifference)
desdenhar
to disdain or look down upon
menosprezar
to belittle or underrate
não estar nem aí
to not care at all (informal)
