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B1 verb #3 most common 11 min read

faz

Top 3

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips faz in 30 Seconds

Explanation faz in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'faz' is primarily learned as the third-person singular of 'fazer' (to do/make). Students learn it in the context of daily routines and simple actions. For example, 'Ele faz o dever de casa' (He does his homework) or 'Ela faz um bolo' (She makes a cake). At this stage, the focus is on subject-verb agreement with 'ele', 'ela', and 'você'. Learners also encounter 'faz' in basic weather expressions like 'faz sol' (it is sunny) and 'faz frio' (it is cold). The goal is to understand that one word covers both 'do' and 'make' in English, simplifying the initial vocabulary load but requiring a conceptual shift. Students are encouraged to use 'faz' to describe what people around them are doing in simple present tense sentences. They also learn to ask basic questions like 'O que você faz?' (What do you do?), though they might initially confuse it with 'O que você está fazendo?' (What are you doing?). The simplicity of 'faz' makes it a building block for early communication, allowing learners to describe a wide range of human activities with a single, high-frequency verb form. It is one of the first irregular verbs introduced because of its utility.

At the A2 level, the use of 'faz' expands into the realm of time and more complex daily activities. Students learn the impersonal use of 'faz' to express duration or time elapsed, such as 'Faz duas semanas que eu estudo português' (I have been studying Portuguese for two weeks). This is a crucial step in moving beyond simple present actions to describing life experiences. The A2 learner also begins to use 'faz' in a wider variety of collocations, such as 'faz compras' (goes shopping), 'faz a cama' (makes the bed), and 'faz anos' (has a birthday). They start to recognize that 'faz' is not just about physical making but also about social and temporal markers. Weather descriptions become more nuanced, including 'faz vento' (it is windy) or 'faz bom tempo' (the weather is good). The distinction between 'faz' (general weather) and 'está' (current sensation) begins to be explored. Learners are also introduced to the idea that 'faz' can mean 'ago' when placed at the end of a phrase in some contexts, though the 'faz + time + que' structure is more common. Agreement remains a focus, ensuring students don't say 'eles faz' but 'eles fazem', while simultaneously learning that for time, 'faz' stays singular.

At the B1 level, 'faz' becomes a tool for expressing abstract ideas and idiomatic nuances. Students learn expressions like 'faz sentido' (it makes sense), 'faz falta' (it is missed/needed), and 'faz de conta' (to pretend). These expressions allow the learner to engage in more complex conversations about feelings, logic, and hypothetical situations. The B1 learner is expected to use 'faz' correctly in the 'time since' construction without hesitation, and they begin to encounter 'faz' in more formal or literary contexts where it might be replaced by 'há'. They also learn the 'faz-tudo' (handyman) concept and other compound words or roles. The use of 'faz' in the sense of 'to cause' or 'to result in' is developed, such as 'Isso faz com que as pessoas fiquem felizes' (This makes people happy). This 'faz com que' structure is a key B1 grammar point, as it often triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb. Learners also start to distinguish between 'fazer' and other more specific verbs like 'realizar' or 'executar', choosing 'faz' for neutral contexts and more specific verbs for formal ones. They can now describe professional roles in detail using 'faz', such as 'O gerente faz a escala de trabalho'.

At the B2 level, the learner masters the stylistic and pragmatic nuances of 'faz'. They understand the subtle difference between 'faz dois anos' and 'há dois anos', using the former in casual speech and the latter in formal writing. They are comfortable with the 'faz-se' passive/impersonal construction, such as 'Faz-se necessário' (It is made necessary / It is necessary). The B2 student uses 'faz' in complex idiomatic expressions and proverbs, such as 'Quem faz a cama, nela se deita' (You reap what you sow). They can use 'faz' to describe intricate processes in a professional environment, such as 'A reação química faz com que o material se expanda'. The focus shifts to precision; while 'faz' is always an option, the B2 learner knows when to substitute it with 'desempenha', 'elabora', or 'promove' to vary their vocabulary. They also understand the use of 'faz' in argumentative structures, like 'Isso não faz jus ao seu talento' (That doesn't do justice to your talent). Their understanding of 'faz' is now deeply integrated with their knowledge of Portuguese culture and formal grammar, allowing them to detect subtle errors in others' speech, such as the common 'fazem' for time, and choose the correct form based on the register.

At the C1 level, 'faz' is used with full native-like flexibility, including its use in sophisticated rhetorical devices. The learner explores the historical and etymological weight of the verb, recognizing its presence in archaic texts or legal documents where 'faz' might appear in specific formulas. They can analyze the use of 'faz' in literature to create rhythm or emphasis. For instance, the repetition of 'faz' in a poem to denote the relentless passage of time or the repetitive nature of labor. The C1 learner is adept at using 'faz' in the 'fazer-se' reflexive sense to mean 'to become' or 'to pretend to be', such as 'Ele faz-se de desentendido' (He pretends not to understand). They understand the philosophical implications of 'fazer' vs 'ser' (doing vs being) in Lusophone thought. In professional writing, they use 'faz' to construct complex causative sentences that flow naturally. They are also aware of regional variations across the Lusosphere—how a speaker in Lisbon might use 'faz' slightly differently than one in Luanda or São Paulo, particularly regarding the prosody and the commonality of certain idioms. The C1 student no longer thinks about 'do' vs 'make'; they think in terms of the specific action and whether 'faz' provides the right level of generality or if a more evocative verb is required.

At the C2 level, the mastery of 'faz' is absolute and effortless. The speaker can play with the word, using it in puns, double entendres, and high-level stylistic variations. They can use 'faz' in highly formal oratory where the verb's simplicity is used for maximum impact, or in extremely slangy contexts where it might be part of a rapidly evolving vernacular. The C2 learner understands the most obscure idioms involving 'faz' and can even coin new expressions that sound natural within the logic of the language. They have a deep grasp of the 'impersonal faz' and can explain its grammatical history to others. They can navigate the most complex syntactic structures involving 'faz', such as those found in classical Portuguese literature (e.g., Camões or Machado de Assis), where the verb might be used in ways that are now rare but still part of the language's DNA. At this level, 'faz' is not just a verb; it is a versatile tool for shaping thought, emotion, and narrative. The speaker can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning, from the mundane to the metaphysical, with perfect precision and cultural resonance. They are fully aware of the sociolinguistic implications of using 'faz' vs 'há' or 'tem' in different parts of the Portuguese-speaking world and can code-switch perfectly.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

faz in 30 Seconds

Faz is the 3rd person singular of 'fazer', meaning 'does' or 'makes'.
It is used for weather expressions like 'faz frio' (it is cold).
It indicates elapsed time, similar to 'ago' or 'it has been'.
It is used in many common idioms like 'faz sentido' (it makes sense).

The Portuguese word faz is one of the most versatile and indispensable components of the Lusophone linguistic landscape. At its core, it is the third-person singular present indicative form of the irregular verb fazer, which serves as the primary equivalent to both the English verbs 'to do' and 'to make'. This dual role is a fundamental hurdle for English speakers because Portuguese does not distinguish between the act of performing a task (doing) and the act of creating or constructing something (making). Whether a person is 'doing' their homework or 'making' a cake, the verb fazer—and specifically the form faz when referring to 'he', 'she', 'it', or the formal 'you' (você)—is the tool of choice.

Functional Versatility: The word faz functions as a bridge between physical creation and abstract action. It covers everything from biological processes to professional duties.

Beyond the simple translation of 'does' or 'makes', faz takes on a specialized role in expressing the passage of time. In Portuguese, when you want to say 'it has been two years' or 'two years ago', you use the word faz. For example, faz dois anos literally translates to 'it makes two years', but it functions exactly like the English 'two years ago' or 'it has been two years'. This is an impersonal use of the verb, meaning it does not change to plural even if the time period is plural; saying fazem dois anos is a common hypercorrection that native speakers often avoid in formal standard Portuguese, though it appears in colloquial speech.

Ela faz o jantar todas as noites enquanto ele estuda.

Furthermore, faz is the standard verb for describing weather conditions. While English uses 'it is' (e.g., 'it is hot'), Portuguese uses faz (e.g., faz calor). This conceptualizes weather as something the environment 'does' or 'produces'.

Impersonal Time: When used to denote elapsed time, 'faz' remains singular regardless of the number of days, months, or years mentioned.

Não o vejo faz muito tempo.

In social interactions, faz appears in common questions like O que ele faz? (What does he do?), which usually refers to someone's profession or current activity. It is also deeply embedded in idiomatic expressions that define the rhythm of daily life in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. Understanding faz requires shifting away from the English 'do/make' binary and embracing a more holistic view of action and existence.

Weather Patterns: Use 'faz' for temperature-related weather like 'faz frio' (it is cold) or 'faz sol' (it is sunny).

Hoje faz um sol maravilhoso lá fora.

Isso não faz a menor diferença para mim.

Quem faz o bem, colhe o bem.

Using faz correctly involves recognizing its subject and the context of the action. As the third-person singular form, its primary subjects are ele (he), ela (she), and você (you, formal). However, it is also the form used for collective nouns and impersonal constructions. When you are describing a person's routine, faz is your go-to verb. For instance, 'He does exercise' becomes Ele faz exercício. If you are talking about a baker, you would say O padeiro faz pão (The baker makes bread). The lack of distinction between 'do' and 'make' means that the context provides the nuance.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Always pair 'faz' with singular subjects. For plural subjects, the form changes to 'fazem'.

One of the most critical uses of faz is in the construction of 'time since' or 'ago'. This is a point of frequent error for English speakers who try to use ter (to have) or passado (past). In Portuguese, the structure is faz + [time period] + [action]. For example, Faz dez anos que eu moro aqui (It has been ten years that I live here / I have lived here for ten years). Notice that the main verb moro remains in the present tense because the action is still ongoing. If the action is finished, you might say Eu o vi faz uma hora (I saw him an hour ago).

O meu irmão faz anos em julho.

In the context of weather, faz is used with nouns that describe the state of the atmosphere. Faz vento (It is windy), faz frio (it is cold), faz calor (it is hot), and faz bom tempo (it is good weather). Unlike English, which uses adjectives (windy, cold), Portuguese uses nouns (wind, coldness) with the verb fazer.

Idiomatic Constructions: 'Faz sentido' is the direct equivalent of 'it makes sense'. It is used exactly as in English to express logic or coherence.

Isso faz sentido para você?

Another common use is in the expression faz falta, which means 'is missed' or 'is needed'. If you say Ela me faz falta, you are saying 'I miss her' (literally: she makes lack to me). This is a powerful way to express emotional or functional necessity. In professional settings, faz is used to describe processes: A empresa faz a gestão dos recursos (The company manages the resources).

The 'Faz de Conta' Expression: This means 'to pretend'. 'Ele faz de conta que não me viu' (He pretends he didn't see me).

A criança faz de conta que é um super-herói.

Você faz ideia de onde ela está?

In the daily life of a Portuguese speaker, faz is omnipresent. You will hear it the moment you wake up and check the weather forecast on the radio or television. The presenter might say, Hoje faz um dia lindo (Today is a beautiful day) or Faz muito calor no Rio de Janeiro. As you head to work or school, you might overhear conversations where people discuss their tasks: Ele faz tudo naquela empresa (He does everything in that company). The word is central to the concept of labor and contribution.

In the Marketplace: You will hear 'Quanto faz?' or 'Faz um desconto?' when bargaining. Here, 'faz' refers to the act of setting a price or granting a favor.

At the supermarket, you 'faz as compras' (do the shopping). At home, you 'faz a cama' (make the bed) or 'faz a louça' (do the dishes - though lava a louça is more common, faz is sometimes used in specific regional dialects to mean the whole process of cleaning up). In social gatherings, faz is used to celebrate milestones. When someone has a birthday, we say Ele faz anos hoje. This is a very common way to express 'It is his birthday today'.

O meu filho faz dez anos na próxima semana.

In the news, faz is used to report on durations of events or historical anniversaries. Faz hoje um século que a guerra terminou (It is a century today since the war ended). It provides a temporal anchor for the narrative. In literature and music, faz often appears in lyrics about longing (saudade). A singer might lament, Faz tanto tempo que não te vejo (It has been so long since I saw you). This usage connects the passage of time with emotional weight.

In the Kitchen: Cooking instructions frequently use 'faz': 'Faz-se um refogado com cebola e alho' (A sauté is made with onion and garlic).

Ela faz uma feijoada maravilhosa.

You will also hear faz in the context of sports and hobbies. Ele faz natação (He does swimming/he swims), ela faz ioga (she does yoga). It denotes a regular practice or commitment. In the digital world, you might see faz o download (do the download/download it). The word adapts to modern technology just as easily as it does to traditional crafts.

The 'Faz-tudo': A 'faz-tudo' is a handyman or a 'jack-of-all-trades'. It literally means 'does everything'.

O Sr. Silva é o faz-tudo do prédio.

Isso faz parte do processo de aprendizagem.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with faz is trying to use it where they would use 'is' in English for weather or time. While we say 'It is hot', you must say Faz calor. Using É calor is a common mistake that sounds unnatural to native ears. Similarly, for time, learners often try to use tem (has) or é (is). While tem is used colloquially in Brazil to mean 'there is/are' or 'it has been', faz remains the standard for elapsed time.

The Plural Trap: Avoid saying 'fazem dois anos'. Even though 'dois anos' is plural, the verb 'faz' in this impersonal time construction should remain singular: 'faz dois anos'.

Another mistake is the confusion between faz and dá. In some expressions, English uses 'make' or 'do' where Portuguese uses dar (to give). For example, 'to take a walk' is dar um passeio, not fazer um passeio (though fazer is sometimes used, dar is more common for short, leisurely actions).

Errado: Fazem três meses que não chove. Correto: Faz três meses que não chove.

Learners also struggle with the 'do vs make' distinction because they overthink it. Since Portuguese uses faz for both, the mistake is usually trying to find a different word for 'make' when faz is perfectly sufficient. Don't look for a word like fabricar unless you are specifically talking about industrial manufacturing.

Preposition Pitfalls: When using 'faz' for time, don't add 'atrás' (ago) at the end. 'Faz dois anos atrás' is redundant. Just say 'Faz dois anos'.

Ele faz a barba todas as manhãs (He shaves every morning).

A subtle mistake involves the verb fazer in the sense of 'to cause'. English speakers might say Isso me faz sentir triste. While correct, it is often more natural in Portuguese to say Isso me deixa triste. However, faz is perfectly acceptable. The key is to avoid direct translations of 'it makes me feel'.

Question Structure: In questions like 'O que você faz?', remember that 'faz' acts as both the auxiliary 'do' and the main verb 'do'.

O que ela faz da vida? (What does she do for a living?)

Isso faz mal à saúde (This is bad for your health).

While faz is a general-purpose verb, there are many synonyms that can provide more precision depending on the context. If you are talking about creating something artistic or complex, you might use elabora (elaborates/develops) or cria (creates). If the context is industrial or constructive, produz (produces) or constrói (builds) are excellent alternatives.

Realiza vs Faz: 'Realiza' is more formal and implies the successful completion of a project or dream. 'Ele realiza um desejo' sounds more profound than 'Ele faz um desejo'.

In a professional or administrative context, efetua (effects/carries out) or executa (executes) are often used. For example, O sistema faz o pagamento is common, but O sistema efetua o pagamento sounds more technical and precise.

O arquiteto elabora o projeto da casa.

For weather, while faz is standard, you can sometimes use está (is) for temporary states, but usually with adjectives: Está frio (It is cold) vs Faz frio (It is cold/it makes cold). The difference is subtle; faz often implies a more general state of the day, while está refers to the immediate sensation.

Pratica vs Faz: When talking about sports, 'pratica' (practices) is a more formal alternative to 'faz'. 'Ele pratica desporto' vs 'Ele faz desporto'.

A fábrica produz milhares de peças por dia.

In the context of time, há is a very common and more formal alternative to faz. Há dois anos means exactly the same as faz dois anos. In written Portuguese and formal speeches, há is often preferred. However, in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, faz or even tem are much more frequent.

Gera vs Faz: 'Gera' (generates) is used for results or consequences. 'Isso gera confusão' (This causes/generates confusion).

O investimento gera lucros para a empresa.

Ele comete um erro (He makes a mistake - 'comete' is specific for errors/crimes).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A instituição faz a entrega dos prémios anualmente."

Neutral

"Ele faz o seu trabalho com dedicação."

Informal

"Faz aí um favor para mim?"

Child friendly

"O coelhinho faz 'pula-pula'."

Slang

"Ele faz a fita dele."

Fun Fact

The Latin 'f' often became 'h' in Spanish (hacer) but remained 'f' in Portuguese (fazer), which is why Portuguese and Italian (fare) look more similar to the original Latin in this case.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /faʃ/

US /fas/

The stress is on the only syllable, as it is a monosyllabic word.

Rhymes With

paz traz capaz cartaz rapaz tenaz voraz atrás

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'z' like a hard English 'z' in 'zebra'.
Forgetting to change the sound based on the following word (liaison).
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end.
Confusing the 'sh' (Portugal) and 's' (Brazil) sounds.
Not making the vowel 'a' open enough.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the irregular conjugation and time rules.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation of the final 'z' varies by region.

Listening 2/5

Can be hard to hear in fast speech when followed by other consonants.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

eu ele ela ser estar

Learn Next

fez fará fazia feito

Advanced

realizar efetuar desempenhar

Grammar to Know

Impersonal 'fazer' for time

Faz dez anos (NOT Fazem dez anos).

Causative 'fazer com que'

Isso faz com que ele estude mais.

Weather with nouns

Faz calor (calor is a noun).

Reflexive 'fazer-se'

Ele faz-se de engraçado.

Present indicative for habitual actions

Ele faz ioga todas as manhãs.

Examples by Level

Ele faz o café da manhã.

He makes breakfast.

Simple present: 'faz' is used for 'makes' with the subject 'ele'.

Ela faz ginástica no parque.

She does gymnastics in the park.

Simple present: 'faz' is used for 'does' an activity.

Você faz o seu trabalho?

Do you do your work?

Question form using 'você' and 'faz'.

Hoje faz sol.

Today it is sunny.

Impersonal 'faz' used for weather (literally: 'it makes sun').

O gato faz barulho à noite.

The cat makes noise at night.

Subject 'o gato' (it) takes the form 'faz'.

Quem faz o bolo?

Who makes the cake?

Interrogative 'quem' (who) acts as a third-person singular subject.

Ele faz anos hoje.

It is his birthday today.

Idiomatic expression 'fazer anos' for having a birthday.

Faz frio em Portugal no inverno.

It is cold in Portugal in the winter.

Impersonal 'faz' for weather conditions.

Faz duas horas que ele saiu.

It has been two hours since he left.

Impersonal 'faz' used to express time elapsed.

Ela faz compras no supermercado aos sábados.

She goes shopping at the supermarket on Saturdays.

Collocation 'fazer compras' for grocery shopping.

Faz muito vento na praia hoje.

It is very windy at the beach today.

Weather expression 'faz vento'.

O meu pai faz a barba todos os dias.

My father shaves every day.

Reflexive-style action 'fazer a barba' (to shave).

Faz tempo que não vejo a Maria.

It's been a long time since I've seen Maria.

Impersonal 'faz tempo' meaning 'it's been a while'.

Você faz ideia de que horas são?

Do you have any idea what time it is?

Idiomatic 'fazer ideia' (to have an idea/clue).

Ele faz o curso de medicina.

He is taking a medical course.

Using 'faz' to describe studying a subject or course.

A empregada faz a cama no hotel.

The maid makes the bed in the hotel.

Literal 'make' action.

Isso não faz sentido nenhum.

That makes no sense at all.

Abstract expression 'fazer sentido'.

Ela me faz falta quando viaja.

I miss her when she travels.

Idiomatic 'fazer falta' (to be missed/needed).

Faz de conta que somos piratas.

Let's pretend we are pirates.

Imperative/Idiomatic 'fazer de conta' (to pretend).

O barulho faz com que eu perca a concentração.

The noise makes me lose my concentration.

Causative 'faz com que' followed by the subjunctive mood.

Ele faz questão de pagar o jantar.

He insists on paying for dinner.

Idiomatic 'fazer questão' (to insist/make a point of).

Faz-se tarde, temos de ir embora.

It's getting late, we have to go.

Reflexive impersonal 'fazer-se' for time passing.

Essa atitude faz mal ao ambiente.

This attitude is bad for the environment.

Expression 'fazer mal' (to be harmful).

O que ele faz da vida agora?

What does he do for a living now?

Common phrase for asking about someone's career.

O governo faz-se de surdo perante os protestos.

The government pretends to be deaf to the protests.

Reflexive 'fazer-se de' meaning 'to pretend to be'.

Faz hoje dez anos que a empresa foi fundada.

It is ten years today since the company was founded.

Formal use of 'faz' for anniversaries.

Isso não faz jus à realidade dos factos.

That doesn't do justice to the reality of the facts.

Idiomatic 'fazer jus' (to do justice/merit).

A sua ausência faz-se sentir em todos os departamentos.

His absence is felt in all departments.

Passive reflexive 'fazer-se sentir' (to be felt).

Ele faz por merecer a nossa confiança.

He strives to deserve our trust.

Expression 'fazer por' (to strive/work towards).

O sol faz-se notar logo pela manhã.

The sun makes itself noticed early in the morning.

Reflexive 'fazer-se notar' (to be noticeable).

Faz-se necessário rever os procedimentos de segurança.

It is necessary to review the security procedures.

Formal impersonal 'faz-se necessário'.

Quem faz o que pode, a mais não é obrigado.

He who does what he can, is not obliged to do more.

Portuguese proverb using 'faz'.

O autor faz uma análise exaustiva da obra.

The author performs an exhaustive analysis of the work.

Formal use of 'faz' for intellectual activities.

Faz-se luz sobre o mistério após anos de investigação.

Light is shed on the mystery after years of investigation.

Metaphorical reflexive 'fazer-se luz'.

A decisão faz escola e será seguida por outros países.

The decision sets a precedent and will be followed by other countries.

Idiomatic 'fazer escola' (to set a precedent/trend).

Ele faz-se passar por um especialista em vinhos.

He poses as a wine specialist.

Reflexive 'fazer-se passar por' (to pose as/impersonate).

A paisagem faz-se acompanhar de um silêncio absoluto.

The landscape is accompanied by absolute silence.

Literary reflexive 'fazer-se acompanhar'.

Faz-se mister que tomemos uma atitude imediata.

It is essential that we take immediate action.

Archaic/Formal 'faz-se mister' (it is essential).

O orador faz uso de metáforas complexas.

The speaker makes use of complex metaphors.

Formal 'fazer uso de' (to utilize).

A saudade faz morada no seu coração.

Longing takes up residence in his heart.

Poetic use of 'fazer morada' (to dwell/reside).

A retórica faz-se presente em cada linha do discurso.

Rhetoric is present in every line of the speech.

Reflexive 'fazer-se presente' (to be present/manifest).

O destino faz das suas e muda os nossos planos.

Fate plays its tricks and changes our plans.

Idiomatic 'fazer das suas' (to play tricks/act typically).

Faz-se um paralelo entre a crise atual e a de 1929.

A parallel is drawn between the current crisis and that of 1929.

Impersonal passive 'faz-se um paralelo'.

Ele faz-se de rogado, mas no fundo quer aceitar o convite.

He plays hard to get, but deep down he wants to accept the invitation.

Idiomatic 'fazer-se de rogado' (to play hard to get).

A justiça faz-se tardia, mas não falha.

Justice is delayed, but it does not fail.

Reflexive use in a classic legal proverb.

O artista faz da sua vida uma obra de arte.

The artist makes his life a work of art.

Philosophical/Literary use of 'fazer de'.

Faz-se o balanço de um ano repleto de desafios.

An assessment is made of a year full of challenges.

Formal 'fazer o balanço' (to assess/take stock).

A verdade faz-se caminho por entre as mentiras.

The truth makes its way through the lies.

Metaphorical 'fazer-se caminho'.

Common Collocations

faz sol

faz frio

faz sentido

faz anos

faz compras

faz falta

faz barulho

faz questão

faz mal

faz parte

Common Phrases

O que ele faz?

— Used to ask about someone's job or current activity.

O que ele faz da vida?

Faz o seguinte

— A way to introduce a suggestion or plan.

Faz o seguinte: liga para ele amanhã.

Não faz mal

— It doesn't matter or no problem.

Desculpe o atraso. Não faz mal.

Faz de conta

— To pretend or imagine.

Faz de conta que somos ricos.

Faz tempo

— It's been a long time.

Faz tempo que não viajamos.

Faz a barba

— To shave.

Ele faz a barba no banheiro.

Faz a cama

— To make the bed.

Ela faz a cama todos os dias.

Faz as pazes

— To make up after a fight.

Ele faz as pazes com o amigo.

Faz favor

— Please (often used in Portugal).

Dê-me o livro, faz favor.

Faz o bem

— To do good deeds.

Quem faz o bem vive melhor.

Often Confused With

faz vs há

Both mean 'ago', but 'há' is more formal.

faz vs tem

In Brazil, 'tem' is used colloquially for 'there is' or time, but 'faz' is the correct form for duration.

faz vs é

Learners use 'é' for weather (It is hot), but 'faz' is correct (Faz calor).

Idioms & Expressions

"Quem faz a cama, nela se deita"

— You must deal with the consequences of your actions.

Ele foi rude e agora ninguém o ajuda; quem faz a cama, nela se deita.

proverb

"Faz-tudo"

— A person who can do many different types of work.

Chame o faz-tudo para consertar a torneira.

informal

"Fazer das tripas coração"

— To make a huge effort to overcome a difficult situation.

Ela faz das tripas coração para sustentar a família.

idiomatic

"Fazer vista grossa"

— To pretend not to see something wrong.

O guarda fez vista grossa para a infração.

idiomatic

"Fazer castelos no ar"

— To daydream or have unrealistic plans.

Não faça castelos no ar, seja realista.

idiomatic

"Fazer tempestade em copo d'água"

— To overreact to a small problem.

Não faça tempestade em copo d'água, é só um arranhão.

idiomatic

"Fazer cera"

— To procrastinate or waste time.

Pare de fazer cera e termine o relatório.

informal

"Fazer pouco de alguém"

— To mock or belittle someone.

Ele faz pouco dos colegas de trabalho.

informal

"Fazer ouvidos de mercador"

— To ignore what someone is saying.

Eu dou conselhos, mas ele faz ouvidos de mercador.

idiomatic

"Fazer sala"

— To entertain guests while waiting for something.

Vá fazer sala para as visitas enquanto eu cozinho.

informal

Easily Confused

faz vs fazem

Plural form.

'Fazem' is for plural subjects (Eles fazem). 'Faz' is for singular subjects or impersonal time/weather.

Eles fazem o trabalho. Faz dois anos.

faz vs fez

Past tense.

'Faz' is present (does). 'Fez' is past (did).

Ele faz agora. Ele fez ontem.

faz vs faça

Subjunctive/Imperative.

'Faz' is a fact. 'Faça' is a wish or command.

Ele faz. Espero que ele faça.

faz vs fais

French word.

Sounds similar but belongs to a different language.

N/A

faz vs fase

Noun meaning 'phase'.

'Faz' is a verb. 'Fase' is a noun.

A lua está numa fase nova.

Sentence Patterns

Ele faz [noun].

Ele faz o bolo.

Faz [time] que [verb].

Faz um ano que estudo.

Faz [weather].

Faz muito frio.

[Subject] faz [idiom].

Isso faz sentido.

[Noun] faz com que [subjunctive].

O sol faz com que as flores cresçam.

Faz-se [adjective].

Faz-se necessário sair.

Faz-se de [noun/adj].

Ele faz-se de vítima.

Faz das suas.

O tempo faz das suas.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; one of the top 10 verbs in the language.

Common Mistakes

Fazem três anos que moro aqui. → Faz três anos que moro aqui.
The verb 'fazer' is impersonal when expressing time.
É calor hoje. → Faz calor hoje.
Weather uses 'fazer' with nouns, not 'ser'.
Ele faz um erro. → Ele comete um erro.
While 'faz' is okay, 'comete' is the specific verb for errors.
Eu moro aqui faz dois anos atrás. → Eu moro aqui faz dois anos.
Using 'atrás' with 'faz' is redundant.
O que você faz? → O que você está fazendo?
If you mean 'right now', use the present continuous. 'O que você faz?' means 'What is your job?'

Tips

Impersonal Rule

When using 'faz' for time or weather, never pluralize it. It is always 'faz', never 'fazem'.

Regional Sounds

In Rio de Janeiro and Portugal, the 'z' in 'faz' sounds like 'sh'. In most of Brazil, it sounds like 's'.

Do vs Make

Stop looking for two different words. 'Faz' covers both 'does' and 'makes' perfectly.

Weather Nouns

Pair 'faz' with nouns: calor (heat), frio (cold), vento (wind), sol (sun).

Logic

Use 'faz sentido' just like you use 'makes sense' in English. It is a direct 1:1 translation.

Birthdays

To ask someone's age on their birthday, ask 'Quantos anos você faz?'

Formal Writing

In essays, try replacing 'faz' with 'há' for time to sound more academic.

Fast Speech

Native speakers often link 'faz' to the next word, so 'faz um' sounds like 'fazum'.

Pretending

Use 'faz de conta' to start a creative or hypothetical conversation.

Redundancy

Don't say 'faz dois anos atrás'. The 'atrás' is redundant because 'faz' already implies 'ago'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'faz' as 'facts'. When someone 'faz' something, they create a 'fact' or a 'feat'.

Visual Association

Imagine a factory (fábrica) where a machine 'faz' (makes) toys.

Word Web

fazer faz sol faz tempo faz sentido faz falta faz compras faz anos faz barulho

Challenge

Try to write five sentences using 'faz' for five different things: weather, time, a job, a hobby, and an idiom.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin verb 'facere', which means 'to do' or 'to make'.

Original meaning: To perform, produce, or bring about.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Galician-Portuguese > Portuguese.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but 'fazer pouco de alguém' is considered rude.

English speakers must unlearn the 'do/make' distinction and the 'it is' weather pattern.

The song 'Faz um Milagre em Mim' (popular Brazilian gospel). The phrase 'Faz o L' (recent Brazilian political slogan). Common nursery rhymes like 'Faz de conta'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

Faz sol
Faz frio
Faz calor
Faz vento

Time

Faz muito tempo
Faz dois dias
Faz anos
Faz pouco tempo

Work

Faz o relatório
Faz a reunião
Faz o projeto
Faz a gestão

Home

Faz o jantar
Faz a cama
Faz as compras
Faz a limpeza

Abstract

Faz sentido
Faz falta
Faz mal
Faz bem

Conversation Starters

"O que você faz no seu tempo livre?"

"Faz muito tempo que você mora nesta cidade?"

"Você faz algum tipo de exercício físico?"

"Faz sentido para você mudar de emprego agora?"

"O que ele faz da vida profissionalmente?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre algo que você faz todos os dias e que te faz feliz.

Descreva o tempo hoje: faz sol ou faz frio? Como isso afeta o seu humor?

Pense em alguém que te faz falta. Por que essa pessoa é importante?

O que você faz quando tem um problema difícil para resolver?

Escreva sobre um projeto que você faz na escola ou no trabalho.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In formal grammar, no. 'Faz' is impersonal when referring to time and should stay singular. However, in colloquial Brazilian Portuguese, you will often hear 'fazem', but it is best to avoid it in writing or exams.

'Faz' and 'há' are interchangeable when meaning 'ago' or 'for [duration]'. 'Há' is considered more elegant and formal, while 'faz' is more common in everyday speech. Example: 'Há dez anos' vs 'Faz dez anos'.

Portuguese conceptualizes weather as an action of the environment rather than just a state of being. While 'está ensolarado' (it is sunny) is possible, 'faz sol' is the most natural and common way to express it.

Mostly, yes. But it also has specific roles in weather, time, and many idioms where the English translation might be 'is', 'has been', or 'pretends'.

You use the expression 'fazer falta'. You would say 'Você me faz falta' (You make lack to me).

No, 'faz' is only for 'ele' (he), 'ela' (she), 'você' (you formal), and singular objects. For 'eu' (I), use 'faço'. For 'nós' (we), use 'fazemos'.

It means 'to pretend' or 'to imagine'. It is very common in children's games or when discussing hypothetical scenarios.

Yes, 'Ele faz medicina' means 'He is studying medicine' or 'He is taking a medical course'.

Yes, in Portuguese you 'make years'. 'Ela faz 20 anos' means 'She is turning 20' or 'It is her 20th birthday'.

It is a noun meaning a handyman or someone who can fix or do anything around the house.