In 15 Seconds
- Running a small, essential task outside the home.
- Implies a quick, purposeful trip.
- Common for errands like post office or pharmacy.
- Generally neutral to informal in tone.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for those quick, essential tasks outside the house. Think of it as your mini-mission to pick up something, drop something off, or handle a small chore. It’s that satisfying feeling of ticking off a few practical items from your mental to-do list, making your day run a bit smoother. It's not a big project, just those little things that need doing.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend
Oi! Vou sair agora pra `fazer um recado` rapidinho. Te ligo mais tarde!
Hi! I'm going out now to run a quick errand. I'll call you later!
At home, explaining absence
Preciso `fazer um recado` na farmácia, já volto.
I need to run an errand at the pharmacy, I'll be right back.
Professional setting (casual conversation)
Vou `fazer um recado` antes da reunião, preciso pegar uns documentos.
I'm going to run an errand before the meeting, I need to pick up some documents.
Cultural Background
The phrase `fazer recado` likely emerged from a time when communication and errands were more physically bound. Before instant messaging and online shopping, leaving the house for a specific, small task was a daily reality for many. It reflects a culture that values efficiency and the completion of small, necessary duties that keep the household and community running smoothly. It’s a testament to the importance of these micro-tasks in daily life.
Think 'Mission, Not Marathon'
Remember, `fazer recado` is for short, focused tasks. If your trip involves browsing multiple stores or taking hours, it's probably not just a `recado`!
The Backbone of Daily Life
This phrase exists because small, essential tasks are the glue holding daily routines together. Successfully `fazendo recados` contributes to that feeling of a well-managed day, a cultural value in many Portuguese-speaking societies.
In 15 Seconds
- Running a small, essential task outside the home.
- Implies a quick, purposeful trip.
- Common for errands like post office or pharmacy.
- Generally neutral to informal in tone.
What It Means
Fazer recado is a super common Portuguese phrase. It means running a quick, practical task outside your home. Think of it as a mini-mission. You're going out specifically to get something done. It’s not a leisurely stroll; it’s a task-oriented trip. It implies a sense of purpose, however small. You're not just wandering; you're fazendo um recado.
How To Use It
You use fazer recado when you leave the house for a specific, short task. It could be picking up a prescription. It could be mailing a letter. It could be buying milk. The key is that it’s a dedicated trip for that purpose. You can also use it to describe someone else's action. 'My mom went out to fazer um recado.' It’s very flexible. You can even use it for digital errands, like paying a bill online, though it leans more towards physical tasks.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you need to buy bread and drop off a book at a friend's. You'd say, 'Vou sair para fazer um recado.' This covers both tasks. Or maybe your partner asks, 'What are you doing?' You reply, 'Estou indo fazer um recado rapidinho.' It signals a short absence. The vibe is practical and efficient. It’s about getting things done without fuss. It’s the opposite of a long shopping trip. It’s more like a pit stop.
When To Use It
Use fazer recado for short, necessary trips outside. Examples include: going to the post office, picking up dry cleaning, buying a specific item from a nearby store, or returning a library book. It’s perfect when the trip’s primary purpose is a single, specific task. It works great when you’re telling someone you’ll be back soon. 'Só vou fazer um recado, já volto!' This is a classic. It implies efficiency and a clear objective. It’s the bread and butter of daily chores.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use fazer recado for leisure activities. Going to the park? That’s ir ao parque. Meeting friends for coffee? That’s tomar um café com amigos. It’s also not for major shopping sprees. Buying furniture is not fazer um recado. It's too big and time-consuming. Similarly, a long commute to work isn't a recado. The task should be relatively quick and localized. Think small, not grand. It’s not for a day trip to another city, unless you’re just popping in to grab a specific local delicacy.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse fazer recado with fazer compras (to shop). While buying groceries can be a recado, fazer compras implies a broader shopping activity, maybe for clothes or multiple items. Another mistake is using it for tasks done at home. You don't fazer recado to wash dishes; you lavar a louça. It’s strictly for tasks done *outside* the immediate living space. It’s like trying to use 'fetch' for something you already possess – it just doesn’t fit the action. Here are some common mix-ups:
Fazer compras para comprar pão
✓Fazer um recado para comprar pão
(Shopping implies more than just bread; an errand fits better for a single item.)
Fazer recado para assistir um filme
✓Assistir um filme
(Watching a movie isn't an errand; it's a leisure activity.)
Lavar a louça para fazer recado
✓Lavar a louça
(Washing dishes is a household chore, not an errand outside the home.)
Similar Expressions
Dar uma passada means 'to drop by' or 'to make a quick stop'. It’s similar but often implies visiting someone or a place casually. Resolver algo means 'to resolve something' or 'to sort something out'. It’s broader and can be for more complex issues. Ir buscar means 'to go get' something specific, like picking up a package. Fazer um favor means 'to do a favor', which might involve running an errand for someone else. Fazer compras is specifically 'to shop', usually for multiple items or groceries.
Common Variations
Sometimes people say dar um pulo which means 'to pop over' or 'to make a quick trip'. It’s very informal and emphasizes speed. Fazer uma coisinha means 'to do a little thing', which is very similar in scope. You might also hear ir resolver (to go sort out) which is a bit more general. The core idea remains: a short, purposeful trip.
Memory Trick
Imagine a tiny messenger pigeon, a pombo-correio, carrying a little note (recado). This pigeon is fazendo (doing) its job, flying out quickly to deliver the message. So, fazer recado = sending out a little messenger pigeon for a quick task! Pigeon delivery is always fast, right? It’s not for heavy lifting, just the important little notes.
Quick FAQ
Q. Is fazer recado formal or informal?
A. It’s generally neutral to informal. You’d use it with friends, family, or colleagues you know well. It’s not typically used in very formal business settings unless it's a casual aside. Think coffee chat, not a board meeting.
Q. Can it be used for online tasks?
A. While it traditionally means going out, modern usage sometimes extends it to quick online tasks, like paying a bill. However, its strongest association is still with physical errands outside the house. It's like using 'going to the bank' for online banking – the concept carries over, but the literal action differs.
Usage Notes
This phrase is very common in everyday spoken Portuguese, especially in Brazil. It sits comfortably in neutral to informal registers. While not slang, avoid it in highly formal written documents or speeches. The key is that the action involves leaving your current location (usually home) to perform a specific, relatively short task.
Think 'Mission, Not Marathon'
Remember, `fazer recado` is for short, focused tasks. If your trip involves browsing multiple stores or taking hours, it's probably not just a `recado`!
The Backbone of Daily Life
This phrase exists because small, essential tasks are the glue holding daily routines together. Successfully `fazendo recados` contributes to that feeling of a well-managed day, a cultural value in many Portuguese-speaking societies.
Don't Call Leisure an Errand!
Avoid saying you're `fazendo um recado` when you're actually going to the movies, meeting friends, or just relaxing. It sounds odd and might confuse people!
Combine Your Errands!
The beauty of `fazer recado` is efficiency. If you have multiple small tasks in the same area, you can group them: 'Vou fazer vários recados no centro hoje.' (I'm going to run several errands downtown today.)
Examples
12Oi! Vou sair agora pra `fazer um recado` rapidinho. Te ligo mais tarde!
Hi! I'm going out now to run a quick errand. I'll call you later!
Shows a common use in informal communication, indicating a brief absence.
Preciso `fazer um recado` na farmácia, já volto.
I need to run an errand at the pharmacy, I'll be right back.
Direct and clear, specifying the location of the errand.
Vou `fazer um recado` antes da reunião, preciso pegar uns documentos.
I'm going to run an errand before the meeting, I need to pick up some documents.
Used even in a professional context for a quick, necessary task.
Mission accomplished! 🚀 `Fiz um recado` e agora relaxar.
Mission accomplished! 🚀 Ran an errand and now relaxing.
Modern social media usage, framing the errand as a 'mission'.
Teve uma promoção no mercado, fui `fazer um recado` e comprei tudo!
There was a sale at the market, I went to run an errand and bought everything!
Shows how the phrase can encompass a slightly larger task if it was the primary goal.
✗ Vou `fazer compras` para comprar pão. → ✓ Vou `fazer um recado` para comprar pão.
✗ I'm going shopping to buy bread. → ✓ I'm going to run an errand to buy bread.
`Fazer compras` implies more extensive shopping; `fazer um recado` is better for a single item.
✗ Vou `fazer um recado` no parque. → ✓ Vou passear no parque.
✗ I'm going to run an errand at the park. → ✓ I'm going for a walk in the park.
The park is for leisure, not typically described as an errand.
Meu cachorro acha que toda vez que saio é pra `fazer um recado` pra ele, tipo buscar um osso no pet shop!
My dog thinks every time I leave it's to run an errand for him, like getting a bone from the pet shop!
Lighthearted use, personifying the dog's perspective.
Você se importaria de `fazer um recado` pra mim? Estou sem tempo e preciso muito.
Would you mind running an errand for me? I'm out of time and really need it.
Used when asking for a favor involving a task.
Manhã ocupada: primeiro `fazer um recado` no banco, depois reunião.
Busy morning: first run an errand at the bank, then a meeting.
Shows the phrase as part of a planned sequence of activities.
Não quero sair pra `fazer recado` hoje, vou pedir comida.
I don't want to go out to run errands today, I'll order food.
Contrasts the effort of an errand with the convenience of delivery.
Sim, posso atender rapidamente, estou apenas `fazendo um recado` rápido.
Yes, I can take your call quickly, I'm just running a quick errand.
Shows a polite way to indicate you're briefly occupied with a task.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
The phrase is `fazer um recado`, meaning 'to do/run an errand'. 'Fazer' is the correct verb here.
Choose the sentence that uses 'fazer recado' correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase 'fazer recado'?
The phrase implies a quick, specific task, like buying bread at the bakery. The other options suggest long durations or leisure, which don't fit the meaning of 'fazer recado'.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The phrase `fazer recado` specifically refers to tasks done *outside* the home, not inside.
Translate the sentence into English.
The phrase `fazer um recado` translates directly to 'run an errand'.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
The standard collocation is `fazer um recado`. While 'resolver' (to resolve) or 'comprar' (to buy) might be part of the errand, `fazer` is the verb that pairs with `recado`.
Choose the sentence that best captures the nuance of 'fazer recado'.
Which sentence implies a quick, necessary trip outside the home?
This option correctly combines the idea of a quick trip ('rápido') with a typical errand location ('lotérica' - lottery house/agency).
Identify and correct the misuse of the phrase.
`Fazer recado` implies a short, specific task. A 'long errand across the entire city' is better described simply as driving or traveling.
Translate the sentence into Portuguese.
This translates the common English phrase 'run an errand' into its Portuguese equivalent 'fazer um recado'.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
The standard sentence structure is Subject + Verb + Object. 'Vou' (I will go) + 'fazer' (do) + 'um recado' (an errand).
Match the Portuguese phrase with its English meaning.
This exercise helps distinguish `fazer recado` from similar but distinct expressions related to tasks and stops.
Choose the best word to complete the sentence, considering the nuance.
While 'trazer' (bring) or 'deixar' (leave) might be part of the errand, the core action of handling the task itself is captured by `fazer um recado`.
Select the sentence where 'fazer recado' is used most naturally.
Which sentence sounds most natural for a quick task outside?
This option emphasizes the quickness ('rápido') and a common location ('papelaria' - stationery shop), fitting the typical usage of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Fazer Recado'
Chatting with close friends, family.
Mãe, vou fazer um recado rapidinho!
General conversation, colleagues you know well, texting.
Preciso fazer um recado antes da reunião.
Mentioning it briefly in a more formal context, if necessary.
Vou precisar me ausentar brevemente para fazer um recado.
Generally avoided in highly formal settings.
N/A
Where You'll Hear 'Fazer Recado'
Texting a friend
Te ligo depois, tô fazendo um recado!
Talking to family
Vou ao mercado fazer um recado.
Quick chat with neighbor
Só vou fazer um recado ali na farmácia.
At the office (casual)
Saio 5 min pra fazer um recado rápido.
Planning your day
Primeiro, fazer um recado, depois almoço.
Asking for a small favor
Pode fazer um recado pra mim?
'Fazer Recado' vs. Similar Phrases
Types of Errands ('Recados')
Quick Stops
- • Post office
- • Pharmacy
- • Bakery
- • Dry cleaner's
Pickups/Drop-offs
- • Package delivery
- • Returning a book
- • Dropping off mail
- • Picking up prescription
- • Buying medicine
- • Getting specific ingredient
- • Paying a bill in person
- • Bank visit
- • Haircut appointment
- • Car wash
Practice Bank
12 exercisesEu vou sair para ___ um recado.
The phrase is `fazer um recado`, meaning 'to do/run an errand'. 'Fazer' is the correct verb here.
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase 'fazer recado'?
The phrase implies a quick, specific task, like buying bread at the bakery. The other options suggest long durations or leisure, which don't fit the meaning of 'fazer recado'.
Find and fix the mistake:
Amanhã, eu vou fazer um recado em casa.
The phrase `fazer recado` specifically refers to tasks done *outside* the home, not inside.
Ela saiu para fazer um recado para a mãe.
Hints: Focus on the meaning of 'fazer recado'., 'Saiu' means 'went out'.
The phrase `fazer um recado` translates directly to 'run an errand'.
Preciso ___ um recado antes que a loja feche.
The standard collocation is `fazer um recado`. While 'resolver' (to resolve) or 'comprar' (to buy) might be part of the errand, `fazer` is the verb that pairs with `recado`.
Which sentence implies a quick, necessary trip outside the home?
This option correctly combines the idea of a quick trip ('rápido') with a typical errand location ('lotérica' - lottery house/agency).
Find and fix the mistake:
Ele está fazendo um recado longo de carro pela cidade inteira.
`Fazer recado` implies a short, specific task. A 'long errand across the entire city' is better described simply as driving or traveling.
I need to run an errand before going to the gym.
Hints: Use 'fazer um recado' for 'run an errand'., 'Antes de' means 'before'.
This translates the common English phrase 'run an errand' into its Portuguese equivalent 'fazer um recado'.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The standard sentence structure is Subject + Verb + Object. 'Vou' (I will go) + 'fazer' (do) + 'um recado' (an errand).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This exercise helps distinguish `fazer recado` from similar but distinct expressions related to tasks and stops.
Ele prometeu ___ um recado para mim enquanto estivesse no centro.
While 'trazer' (bring) or 'deixar' (leave) might be part of the errand, the core action of handling the task itself is captured by `fazer um recado`.
Which sentence sounds most natural for a quick task outside?
This option emphasizes the quickness ('rápido') and a common location ('papelaria' - stationery shop), fitting the typical usage of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsIt means to run a quick, practical errand or chore outside the house. Think of it as a short, purposeful trip to accomplish a specific task, like picking up dry cleaning or mailing a letter. It's about efficiency and getting things done.
Traditionally, fazer recado refers to physical trips outside the home. However, in modern usage, it can sometimes extend to quick online tasks, like paying a bill online, if the context implies a similar sense of a brief, necessary chore. But its primary meaning is still about going out.
No, fazer recado is specifically for small, quick tasks. If you're going shopping for hours, buying furniture, or undertaking a large project, it's not considered a recado. The key is the short duration and specific, often simple, objective.
Use fazer recado for a single, specific task, like buying just bread at the bakery. Use fazer compras when you're going shopping, especially for groceries or multiple items, implying a broader activity than just one quick task.
It's generally considered neutral to informal. You'd use it comfortably with friends and family. In very formal settings, you might opt for a more descriptive phrase like 'preciso resolver uma questão pendente' (I need to resolve an outstanding matter) or simply state the task directly.
Fazer recado is task-focused: you're going out to accomplish something specific. Dar uma passada means to 'drop by' or 'make a quick stop', often implying visiting a place or person casually, not necessarily for a strict task.
The phrase is widely understood across Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil and Portugal. While minor variations in frequency might exist, the core meaning of running a quick errand remains consistent. It's a very standard expression.
You can say 'Vou fazer vários recados' (I'm going to run several errands) or 'Vou fazer uns recados' (I'm going to run some errands). This indicates you have a list of small tasks to complete, often implying you'll be out for a bit longer but still focused on these specific chores.
Yes, absolutely! If you're doing a task for someone else, you can say 'Vou fazer um recado para o João' (I'm going to run an errand for João). It perfectly describes helping someone out with a quick task.
A frequent mistake is using it for activities that aren't errands, like leisure (going to the park) or long tasks (a big shopping trip). Another error is using it for chores done *inside* the house, as fazer recado specifically implies going out.
It often implies a degree of necessity, but not necessarily extreme urgency unless specified. Saying 'Vou fazer um recado rápido' (I'm going to run a quick errand) or 'Preciso fazer um recado urgente' (I need to run an urgent errand) adds that emphasis. By default, it's just a necessary task.
The vibe is practical, efficient, and slightly busy. It suggests you're managing your day by taking care of necessary tasks. It's not usually associated with excitement or deep thought, but rather with productive action.
No, fazer recado is specifically for tasks. Going for a walk is leisure, so you would say 'Vou caminhar' or 'Vou dar uma volta'. Using fazer recado would be incorrect and sound strange.
If the errand is specifically to buy one or a few necessary items (like medicine or bread), fazer recado works well. If the intention is a broader shopping trip for enjoyment or multiple non-essential items, fazer compras is more appropriate.
While 'fazer' is the standard verb, you might occasionally hear related actions described. For example, someone might say 'Vou buscar um recado' (I'm going to fetch an errand - less common) or 'Vou resolver um recado' (I'm going to sort out an errand). However, fazer is by far the most common and natural choice.
Fazer recado is a specific type of 'resolver algo'. 'Resolver algo' (to sort something out) is more general and can apply to problems or complex issues, whereas fazer recado is specifically about a physical task or chore outside the home.
While recado *can* mean 'message' in Portuguese (e.g., 'Deixei um recado para ele' - I left him a message), in the phrase fazer recado, it specifically means 'errand'. The context makes it clear we're talking about a task, not a verbal message.
The most natural translations for 'run errands' (plural) are 'fazer recados' or 'fazer uns recados'. For example, 'Preciso fazer uns recados hoje' means 'I need to run some errands today'.
Related Phrases
fazer compras
related topicto go shopping
Both involve going out to get things, but 'fazer compras' is broader and implies more extensive shopping than a single, quick errand.
dar uma passada
related topicto drop by, make a quick stop
This involves a brief visit, which might include running an errand, but often implies a more social or casual stop.
resolver algo
related topicto sort something out, to resolve something
'Fazer recado' is a type of 'resolver algo', but 'resolver algo' can refer to more complex issues or problems, not just physical tasks.
ir buscar
related topicto go get / pick up
This focuses on the action of retrieving something specific, which is often the core action within a larger 'recado'.
fazer uma diligência
formal versionto carry out a task/errand (more formal)
'Fazer diligência' is a more formal or official-sounding term for carrying out a specific task or errand, often in a business context.
dar um pulo
informal versionto pop over, make a quick trip
This is a very informal and colloquial way to say you're making a quick trip, similar to 'fazer um recado' but emphasizing speed and brevity even more.
