A2 Collocation Neutral 2 min read

não fazer parte

to be part of

Literally: not to make part

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to show something is excluded or doesn't belong.
  • Requires the preposition 'de' to connect to the group.
  • Works for both physical objects and abstract social situations.

Meaning

It simply means that something or someone is not included in a group, a plan, or a specific situation. It's like saying 'that's not my business' or 'that doesn't belong here.'

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Declining involvement in office gossip

Eu não faço parte dessas fofocas de escritório.

I am not part of these office gossips.

2

Checking ingredients at a restaurant

A carne não faz parte deste prato, certo?

Meat isn't part of this dish, right?

3

Discussing a former hobby

Eu já não faço parte do clube de xadrez.

I am no longer part of the chess club.

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Cultural Background

The 'panelinha' (clique) is a major social concept. Being told you 'não faz parte da panelinha' means you are an outsider to an influential group. In Portugal, 'fazer parte' is often used in the context of formal associations (coletividades). Membership in these local clubs is a key part of community life. In Angolan social dynamics, 'fazer parte da família' often extends to close friends and neighbors, reflecting a communal 'ubuntu' philosophy. The phrase is used in political and social discourse to discuss national unity and who is included in the country's progress.

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The 'De' Rule

Always remember that 'fazer parte' needs 'de'. If you forget it, the sentence sounds incomplete to a native ear.

⚠️

Avoid 'Ser'

Even though you say 'I AM part' in English, never say 'Eu SOU parte' in Portuguese. It's a dead giveaway that you're a beginner.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to show something is excluded or doesn't belong.
  • Requires the preposition 'de' to connect to the group.
  • Works for both physical objects and abstract social situations.

What It Means

Não fazer parte is your go-to phrase for setting boundaries or describing exclusion. It tells people that a certain element doesn't fit into a specific category. Think of it as the 'not a member' button for life. It is very literal but incredibly versatile in daily speech.

How To Use It

You use it just like 'to not be part of' in English. You need the preposition de (or its variations like do or da) right after it. For example, Eu não faço parte do grupo. It is a regular verb construction, so just conjugate fazer and you are ready to go. It works for people, objects, and even abstract ideas.

When To Use It

Use it when you are discussing memberships or social circles. It is perfect for professional settings when defining project scopes. You can also use it when you want to distance yourself from drama. If friends are gossiping, you can say you don't want to be involved. It's also great for describing ingredients in a recipe or items in a list.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it if you just mean you are 'busy.' It implies a lack of belonging, not a lack of time. Also, avoid it if you are trying to say something is 'broken.' Use it for identity and inclusion, not for mechanical status. If you feel left out and sad, this phrase might sound a bit too clinical. In those cases, use something more emotional.

Cultural Background

Portuguese speakers value social integration highly. Saying someone não faz parte can sometimes feel a bit cold or exclusionary. However, Brazilians and Portuguese people also value their 'circles.' Using this phrase is a clear way to define who is 'in' and who is 'out.' It’s often used in politics and sports to discuss team rosters or party affiliations.

Common Variations

You will often hear não fazer parte de nada disso when someone is frustrated. This means 'to have nothing to do with any of this.' Another variation is não fazer mais parte, meaning you used to belong but don't anymore. It’s the classic 'breakup' line for clubs, jobs, or even friendships. It’s simple, direct, and leaves no room for doubt.

Usage Notes

The phrase is highly adaptable across all levels of formality. The most important thing is ensuring the conjugation of `fazer` matches the subject and that the preposition `de` is correctly contracted with the following article.

💡

The 'De' Rule

Always remember that 'fazer parte' needs 'de'. If you forget it, the sentence sounds incomplete to a native ear.

⚠️

Avoid 'Ser'

Even though you say 'I AM part' in English, never say 'Eu SOU parte' in Portuguese. It's a dead giveaway that you're a beginner.

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Professional Boundaries

Use 'Isso não faz parte das minhas atribuições' to politely decline a task at work that isn't yours.

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Social Inclusion

Brazilians are very inclusive. If they say 'Você já faz parte da família', it's a huge compliment!

Examples

6
#1 Declining involvement in office gossip

Eu não faço parte dessas fofocas de escritório.

I am not part of these office gossips.

Uses the phrase to set a moral or professional boundary.

#2 Checking ingredients at a restaurant

A carne não faz parte deste prato, certo?

Meat isn't part of this dish, right?

A practical way to check for dietary requirements.

#3 Discussing a former hobby

Eu já não faço parte do clube de xadrez.

I am no longer part of the chess club.

Shows a change in status or membership.

#4 Texting a friend about a party

Aquele cara não faz parte do nosso grupo!

That guy is not part of our group!

Very common in social contexts to define the 'inner circle'.

#5 A humorous take on family traits

A paciência não faz parte da minha família!

Patience is not part of my family!

Using the phrase to jokingly describe a missing personality trait.

#6 In a serious breakup or emotional talk

Sinto que já não faço parte da tua vida.

I feel like I'm no longer part of your life.

Expresses a deep sense of disconnection.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'não fazer parte' and the preposition 'de'.

Eu ___ (presente) ___ equipe de futebol.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: não faço parte da

The subject is 'Eu' (faço) and 'equipe' is feminine (da).

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Select the correct option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

'Parte' stays singular, and we use the verb 'fazer' with the preposition 'de' (do).

Complete the dialogue.

A: Você quer ir à reunião da empresa? B: Não, eu ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

'Empresa' is feminine, so we use 'da'.

Match the sentence to the situation.

1. 'Isso não faz parte do meu contrato.' 2. 'Você não faz mais parte da minha vida.' 3. 'O sal não faz parte desta sobremesa.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b

1 is professional (Work), 2 is personal (Breakup), 3 is culinary (Cooking).

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Portuguese vs English

Portuguese
Não FAZER parte Correct
English
Not BE part Correct

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'não fazer parte' and the preposition 'de'. Fill Blank A2

Eu ___ (presente) ___ equipe de futebol.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: não faço parte da

The subject is 'Eu' (faço) and 'equipe' is feminine (da).

Which sentence is grammatically correct? Choose A2

Select the correct option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

'Parte' stays singular, and we use the verb 'fazer' with the preposition 'de' (do).

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: Você quer ir à reunião da empresa? B: Não, eu ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

'Empresa' is feminine, so we use 'da'.

Match the sentence to the situation. situation_matching B1

1. 'Isso não faz parte do meu contrato.' 2. 'Você não faz mais parte da minha vida.' 3. 'O sal não faz parte desta sobremesa.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b

1 is professional (Work), 2 is personal (Breakup), 3 is culinary (Cooking).

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

14 questions

No, 'em' is incorrect. You must always use 'de'.

It depends on the tone. It's usually neutral, but in social contexts, it can sound cold if not explained.

'Não fazer parte' is more common for groups and components. 'Não pertencer' is more formal or emotional.

Use 'não fiz parte' (I wasn't part - specific time) or 'não fazia parte' (I wasn't part - ongoing state).

Yes! 'Açúcar não faz parte desta receita' is perfect.

Yes, the meaning is identical, though the pronunciation of 'parte' differs.

In this specific idiom, 'parte' is almost always singular: 'Eles não fazem parte'.

You say: 'Eu não quero fazer parte disso'.

'Tô fora' is the most common slang alternative.

Yes, e.g., 'A mentira não faz parte do meu caráter'.

Only if preceded by expressions of doubt or desire, like 'Espero que você não faça parte disso'.

The opposite is simply 'fazer parte de'.

Yes, like 'Esta tampa não faz parte desta garrafa'.

It is neutral. It works in both a business meeting and a chat with friends.

Related Phrases

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fazer parte de

builds on

To be part of

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fazer questão

similar

To insist on something

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fazer sentido

similar

To make sense

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pertencer a

synonym

To belong to

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estar fora

contrast

To be out

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integrar

specialized form

To integrate/be part of

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