Meaning
To advance or improve in a task or development.
Cultural Background
The phrase is linked to the national motto 'Ordem e Progresso'. Brazilians often discuss 'progresso' in terms of social mobility and economic stability. In Portugal, 'fazer progressos' is often used in the context of European integration and modernization since joining the EU. In African Lusophone countries, the phrase is frequently used in the context of post-war reconstruction and development goals. In the Lusophone business world, 'fazer progressos' is a polite way to say a project is moving, even if it's behind schedule.
Use Adjectives
Make your speech more natural by adding adjectives like 'significativos', 'lentos', or 'rápidos' between 'fazer' and 'progressos'.
Avoid 'Make a Progress'
Never say 'fazer um progresso'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
Meaning
To advance or improve in a task or development.
Use Adjectives
Make your speech more natural by adding adjectives like 'significativos', 'lentos', or 'rápidos' between 'fazer' and 'progressos'.
Avoid 'Make a Progress'
Never say 'fazer um progresso'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
The Present Perfect
Use 'Tenho feito progressos' to sound like a native when talking about your recent habits or studies.
Ordem e Progresso
Mentioning the Brazilian flag's motto is a great conversation starter when discussing this phrase with Brazilians.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'fazer'.
No ano passado, nós _________ muitos progressos na empresa.
'No ano passado' indicates the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito).
Which sentence is the most natural for a professional setting?
Select the best option:
'Fazer progressos' is the standard plural collocation.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Como vai o seu curso de piano? B: Vai bem! Eu sinto que finalmente _________.
'Fazer progressos' is the most common way to talk about skill improvement.
Match the modifier to the context.
Match 'Progressos colossais' with the right situation:
'Colossais' implies something massive and impactful, suitable for science.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo ano passado, nós _________ muitos progressos na empresa.
'No ano passado' indicates the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito).
Select the best option:
'Fazer progressos' is the standard plural collocation.
A: Como vai o seu curso de piano? B: Vai bem! Eu sinto que finalmente _________.
'Fazer progressos' is the most common way to talk about skill improvement.
Match 'Progressos colossais' with the right situation:
'Colossais' implies something massive and impactful, suitable for science.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting.
No, use 'avançar' or 'seguir em frente' for physical distance.
It suggests a series of small improvements rather than one single change.
They are interchangeable, but the plural is more common for personal achievements.
Use 'Não estou fazendo nenhum progresso' or 'Não estou fazendo progressos'.
The meaning is the same, but the pronunciation of 'progressos' differs significantly.
Yes, 'fazer avanços' is a slightly more formal synonym.
Usually 'em' (in) or 'com' (with).
Yes, it's common to say a relationship is 'fazendo progressos'.
It sounds more professional and specific than 'melhorar'.
Eu fiz, você fez, nós fizemos, eles fizeram.
Yes, e.g., 'Infelizmente, não fizemos progressos'.
Very often, especially regarding the economy or science.
In Brazil, 'tá andando' (it's walking/moving).
Related Phrases
Dar um passo à frente
similarTo take a step forward
Evoluir
synonymTo evolve
Ficar para trás
contrastTo fall behind
Queimar etapas
builds onTo skip steps
Prosperar
similarTo prosper
