The Portuguese verb fazer translates directly to “to do” or “to make” in English.

However, native speakers use this verb for much more than just direct actions and creations.

You’ll hear fazer used to describe the weather, talk about time, and express everyday feelings.

Understanding these expressions is essential for speaking natural Portuguese.

Below is a clear guide to the most common Portuguese expressions using the verb fazer.

Talking about the weather with fazer

In English, we use the verb “to be” to describe the weather.

In Portuguese, we use the verb fazer to talk about general weather conditions.

This rule applies to both Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese.

When describing the weather, you always conjugate fazer in the third-person singular form.

This means you’ll use the word faz.

Faz frio means “it’s cold”.

Faz calor means “it’s hot”.

Faz sol means “it’s sunny”.

Using fazer for time and age

The verb fazer is deeply tied to how Portuguese speakers talk about the passage of time.

First, we use it to talk about time that has already passed.

This acts as the equivalent of the English word “ago”.

Just like with the weather expressions, you use the third-person singular form faz.

Another extremely common use is for celebrating birthdays.

In Portuguese, you don’t “have” a birthday.

Instead, you “make years” using the phrase fazer anos.

This phrase is used heavily in European Portuguese, while Brazilians often say fazer aniversário.

Everyday idiomatic expressions with fazer

There are many everyday situations where fazer replaces verbs you might expect to use in English.

Here are the most important idiomatic phrases you need to know.

Fazer sentido (To make sense)

This expression translates perfectly from English.

Use it when something is logical, understandable, or clear.

Fazer falta (To be missed)

This is a beautiful Portuguese expression used to say you miss someone or something.

Literally, it translates to “to make a lack”.

The person who is missed is the subject of the sentence.

Fazer as malas (To pack bags)

When you’re preparing for a trip, you must “make the bags”.

This phrase is identical in both Portugal and Brazil.

Fazer questão (To insist)

This phrase is used when you strongly insist on doing something.

It shows that a specific action is a point of honor or high importance to you.

Fazer compras (To go shopping)

Whether you’re buying groceries or clothes, you use this phrase.

It literally translates to “making purchases”.

Present tense conjugation of fazer

To use these expressions correctly, you need to know how to conjugate fazer.

Keep in mind that fazer is an irregular verb.

Here’s a quick reference table for the present tense in both Brazilian and European Portuguese.