In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone who is being lazy or unmotivated.
- Commonly used in work, relationships, and daily frustrations.
- Implies a deliberate choice to not try or participate.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who isn't trying at all or is being lazy. It's used when someone lacks motivation or fails to put in the necessary work for a task.
Key Examples
3 of 6Complaining about a coworker
Ele não faz esforço nenhum para ajudar a equipe.
He makes no effort at all to help the team.
Talking about a bad date
Ela era legal, mas não fazia esforço para puxar assunto.
She was nice, but she didn't make an effort to start a conversation.
Texting a friend about a lazy roommate
Meu colega de quarto não faz esforço pra limpar a casa.
My roommate makes no effort to clean the house.
Cultural Background
The term 'fazer corpo mole' is deeply embedded in Brazilian work culture. It describes a specific type of passive-aggressive laziness where one does just enough not to get fired but clearly isn't trying. In Portugal, 'não fazer esforço' can be seen as a lack of 'educação' (politeness/upbringing). There is a strong social expectation to at least 'try' to be helpful in social settings. In Angolan Portuguese, you might hear 'não dar o mambo', where 'mambo' is a general word for 'thing' or 'effort' in slang, though 'não fazer esforço' remains the standard. In modern startups in São Paulo or Lisbon, 'não fazer esforço' is often replaced by the English-influenced 'não ter o mindset de dono' (not having the owner mindset).
Add 'nenhum' for impact
If you want to sound like a native complaining, always add 'nenhum' at the end: 'Ele não faz esforço nenhum!'
Watch the verb 'fazer'
It's irregular. Make sure you don't say 'ele fazeu' (wrong) instead of 'ele fez' (correct).
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone who is being lazy or unmotivated.
- Commonly used in work, relationships, and daily frustrations.
- Implies a deliberate choice to not try or participate.
What It Means
Não fazer esforço is the ultimate phrase for laziness or lack of interest. It means someone is doing the absolute bare minimum. You use it when the energy levels are at zero. It’s like watching a plant grow—nothing is happening. It describes a total lack of drive or initiative.
How To Use It
You can use it for people, groups, or even yourself. It follows the standard verb conjugation for fazer. You simply add não before the verb to negate it. Use it to complain about a lazy coworker. Use it to describe a boring date who didn't talk. It’s a very versatile way to express disappointment in someone's output.
When To Use It
Use it when you feel frustrated by someone's apathy. It works great in a professional setting during performance reviews. It’s perfect for venting to friends about a roommate. Use it when a project fails because someone didn't try. If you're at a restaurant and the service is terrible, this is your phrase. It captures that 'I don't care' attitude perfectly.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if someone is trying hard but failing. That’s just mean! Avoid it when someone is genuinely tired or sick. It implies a choice to be lazy, not a lack of ability. If someone is giving their best, even if it's not enough, this phrase doesn't apply. Keep it for the true couch potatoes and procrastinators.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people value 'garra' or 'effort'. Showing interest is a big part of social bonding. If you não faz esforço to socialize, you might be seen as cold. In work culture, it's a serious critique of one's character. It suggests a lack of passion, which is highly valued in Lusophone cultures. It’s more than just being lazy; it’s about being disengaged.
Common Variations
You might hear não se esforçar, which is the reflexive version. Both mean the same thing in daily conversation. Some people say não mexer um dedo (not lifting a finger). That’s the more dramatic, idiomatic cousin of our phrase. Another one is fazer corpo mole, which is very common in Brazil. It specifically means pretending to work while doing nothing.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral in formality but carries a negative connotation. It is often followed by the preposition 'para' to indicate what the person is failing to do.
Add 'nenhum' for impact
If you want to sound like a native complaining, always add 'nenhum' at the end: 'Ele não faz esforço nenhum!'
Watch the verb 'fazer'
It's irregular. Make sure you don't say 'ele fazeu' (wrong) instead of 'ele fez' (correct).
The 'Jeitinho' distinction
Don't confuse 'não fazer esforço' with finding a clever shortcut. One is laziness, the other is 'jeitinho'.
Use with 'para'
Always follow with 'para' + infinitive to specify the action being avoided.
Examples
6Ele não faz esforço nenhum para ajudar a equipe.
He makes no effort at all to help the team.
The addition of 'nenhum' adds emphasis to the lack of effort.
Ela era legal, mas não fazia esforço para puxar assunto.
She was nice, but she didn't make an effort to start a conversation.
Used here to describe social awkwardness or lack of interest.
Meu colega de quarto não faz esforço pra limpar a casa.
My roommate makes no effort to clean the house.
Very common complaint in informal settings.
O aluno tem potencial, mas não faz esforço nas aulas.
The student has potential, but doesn't make an effort in class.
A polite but firm way to address academic laziness.
Hoje eu não vou fazer esforço nem para levantar do sofá.
Today I won't even make an effort to get off the couch.
Using the phrase to joke about one's own laziness.
Eu sinto que só eu tento, você não faz esforço pelo nosso namoro.
I feel like I'm the only one trying; you make no effort for our relationship.
Expresses deep disappointment and hurt.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'fazer' in the present tense.
Eu sinto que você não _______ esforço para me entender.
The subject is 'você', so the verb 'fazer' must be conjugated as 'faz'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'They didn't try at all'?
Como se diz 'They didn't make any effort' em português?
Both 'nenhum' and 'algum' (when placed after the noun) are correct and natural ways to emphasize 'no effort at all'.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
Mãe: 'Filho, você tirou nota baixa de novo!' Filho: 'A prova estava difícil.' Mãe: 'Não, o problema é que você _______.'
The mother is criticizing the son's lack of trying, so 'não fez esforço para estudar' fits the context.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Qual frase combina com um funcionário que está sendo preguiçoso?
'Fazer corpo mole' is the idiomatic way to describe a lazy employee.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Não fazer esforço vs. Sem esforço
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu sinto que você não _______ esforço para me entender.
The subject is 'você', so the verb 'fazer' must be conjugated as 'faz'.
Como se diz 'They didn't make any effort' em português?
Both 'nenhum' and 'algum' (when placed after the noun) are correct and natural ways to emphasize 'no effort at all'.
Mãe: 'Filho, você tirou nota baixa de novo!' Filho: 'A prova estava difícil.' Mãe: 'Não, o problema é que você _______.'
The mother is criticizing the son's lack of trying, so 'não fez esforço para estudar' fits the context.
Qual frase combina com um funcionário que está sendo preguiçoso?
'Fazer corpo mole' is the idiomatic way to describe a lazy employee.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo. To say something is easy, use 'é fácil' or 'faço com os pés nas costas'. 'Não faço esforço' implies you aren't trying.
It can be. It's a direct criticism of someone's character or work ethic. Use it carefully with superiors.
'Força' is physical strength (power). 'Esforço' is the act of using that strength or mental energy toward a goal.
Use 'sem esforço' or 'natural'. Example: 'Ela dança sem esforço' (She dances effortlessly).
It is understood, but less common than in Brazil. In Portugal, 'não dar o litro' is more common.
Yes! 'O motor não está fazendo esforço' means the engine is running smoothly without being strained.
'Esforçar-se ao máximo' or 'dar o seu melhor'.
Yes, 'o esforço'. Always use masculine adjectives with it.
It's much better to use 'para'. 'De' sounds slightly archaic or influenced by other languages.
You can say 'Ele não vai fazer esforço' or 'Ele não fará esforço'.
Yes, people say 'ele não se mexe' or 'ele não investe'.
Yes: 'Eu não estou fazendo esforço para emagrecer' (I'm not trying to lose weight).
It means 'the slightest effort'. It's used for strong emphasis.
Yes, often used to describe characters who are indifferent or nihilistic.
Related Phrases
fazer corpo mole
synonymTo be lazy or avoid work intentionally.
dar o sangue
contrastTo give one's all; to work extremely hard.
não estar nem aí
similarTo not care at all.
fazer um esforço
builds onTo make an effort.
esforço hercúleo
specialized formA massive, Herculean effort.
