Vamos fazer

You use it as a standalone suggestion or followed by an object. If a friend asks, "Should we go to the beach?" you simply say Vamos fazer!. It sounds decisive. You can also add what you want to do right after it. For example, Vamos fazer um bolo (Let's make a cake). It is incredibly flexible because fazer covers both "doing" an activity and "making" a physical object.

Use it whenever you want to agree to a plan. It is perfect for the workplace when a boss suggests a new strategy. It is great for texting when someone asks if you want to hang out. Use it at a restaurant when deciding to share a dessert. It shows you are proactive and ready to participate. It is the verbal equivalent of a high-five and a nod.

Don't use it for things that happen naturally without effort. You wouldn't say Vamos fazer sol to mean "Let's have sunny weather." Also, avoid it in very somber or tragic situations. If someone suggests a funeral arrangement, Vamos fazer! might sound a bit too enthusiastic. Keep it for tasks, plans, and creative endeavors. Using it for emotional states usually sounds a bit robotic.

Brazilians and Portuguese people are generally very social and collaborative. Vamos fazer reflects this "can-do" collective spirit. There is a cultural emphasis on the group effort. Even if you are the one doing most of the work, saying Vamos (We go) makes everyone feel included. It is the cornerstone of the famous "jeitinho"—finding a way to make things work through action.

You will often hear the shortened version Bora! in Brazil. It is a contraction of Vamos embora but used exactly like Vamos fazer. In Portugal, you might hear Vamos a isso!. If you want to be more emphatic, you can say Com certeza, vamos fazer!. If you are feeling lazy, a simple Vamos? with a rising intonation works as a question to prompt the action.