fazer compras
to go shopping
Literalmente: to make purchases
Use it for any multi-item shopping trip, from the supermarket to the luxury mall.
En 15 segundos
- The standard way to say 'to go shopping' in Portuguese.
- Used for both grocery runs and retail therapy at the mall.
- Combines the verb 'fazer' (to do/make) with 'compras' (purchases).
Significado
This is the go-to way to say you're going shopping, whether it's for a new outfit or just your weekly groceries.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Planning the weekend with a friend
Vamos fazer compras no sábado à tarde?
Shall we go shopping on Saturday afternoon?
Texting a partner about chores
Preciso passar no mercado para fazer compras.
I need to stop by the market to do some shopping.
In a professional office setting
A secretária saiu para fazer compras de material de escritório.
The secretary went out to buy office supplies.
Contexto cultural
While 'fazer compras' is universal, Brazilians often use the English word 'shopping' to refer to the mall itself. The act of shopping is a major weekend pastime in urban centers, serving as a safe, air-conditioned hub for social gathering and entertainment.
The 'Shopping' Trap
In Brazil, 'Shopping' is a noun meaning 'Mall'. Don't say 'Eu vou shopping' (I go mall); say 'Eu vou ao shopping fazer compras'.
Singular vs Plural
Always use 'compras' (plural). Saying 'fazer compra' sounds like you are making a single, very specific business transaction.
En 15 segundos
- The standard way to say 'to go shopping' in Portuguese.
- Used for both grocery runs and retail therapy at the mall.
- Combines the verb 'fazer' (to do/make) with 'compras' (purchases).
What It Means
Fazer compras is the bread and butter of Portuguese shopping talk. It literally translates to 'making purchases.' It covers everything from a quick run for milk to a full-day mall marathon. It is versatile and essential.
How To Use It
You use it just like 'to go shopping' in English. You can use it as a general activity. You can also specify what you are buying. For example, fazer compras de Natal means Christmas shopping. It is a very flexible phrase.
When To Use It
Use it when planning your day with friends. Use it when telling your partner you'll be home late. It works perfectly in a professional context too. If you are buying office supplies, this is your phrase. It fits into almost any conversation seamlessly.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for a single, specific item purchase. If you are just buying one coffee, say comprar um café. Fazer compras implies a plural or a process. Avoid it if you are talking about 'shopping' for ideas or people. It is strictly for physical goods and services.
Cultural Background
In Brazil and Portugal, shopping is a social event. People often go to the shopping (the mall) just to walk around. Fazer compras is often followed by a coffee or a meal. It is rarely a solitary, rushed chore. It is a way to see and be seen.
Common Variations
You might hear ir às compras in Portugal more often. In Brazil, fazer o rancho is used in the south for big grocery trips. Bater perna is a fun slang for walking around shops without buying much. Each region has its own little flavor for this activity.
Notas de uso
The phrase is universally understood and safe for all social registers. In Brazil, remember that 'shopping' is the place, not the action.
The 'Shopping' Trap
In Brazil, 'Shopping' is a noun meaning 'Mall'. Don't say 'Eu vou shopping' (I go mall); say 'Eu vou ao shopping fazer compras'.
Singular vs Plural
Always use 'compras' (plural). Saying 'fazer compra' sounds like you are making a single, very specific business transaction.
The 'Rancho' Secret
If you are in Southern Brazil, use 'fazer o rancho' to sound like a local when doing your big monthly grocery shop.
Ejemplos
6Vamos fazer compras no sábado à tarde?
Shall we go shopping on Saturday afternoon?
A very common way to suggest a social outing.
Preciso passar no mercado para fazer compras.
I need to stop by the market to do some shopping.
Here it specifically refers to groceries.
A secretária saiu para fazer compras de material de escritório.
The secretary went out to buy office supplies.
Demonstrates the phrase's utility in a work context.
Detesto fazer compras em véspera de feriado!
I hate shopping on the eve of a holiday!
Expressing frustration about crowds.
Se você se comportar, vamos fazer compras de brinquedos.
If you behave, we will go toy shopping.
Used as a reward or incentive.
Sinto muito pelo atraso, estava fazendo compras.
Sorry for the delay, I was shopping.
A standard excuse for being late.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct verb to complete the shopping expression.
Eu preciso ___ compras para o jantar de hoje.
In Portuguese, we 'make' (fazer) purchases, we don't 'go' them like in English.
Complete the sentence to mean 'grocery shopping'.
Vou ao supermercado fazer compras de ___.
'Compras de mês' is a common term for the big monthly grocery haul.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Fazer Compras'
Talking to friends about the mall.
Bora fazer umas compras?
Standard daily usage.
Vou fazer compras hoje.
Business procurement or formal writing.
A empresa irá fazer compras de novos equipamentos.
Where to use 'Fazer Compras'
Supermarket
Fazer compras de comida.
Mall
Fazer compras de roupas.
Online
Fazer compras pela internet.
Holidays
Fazer compras de Natal.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it applies to everything from food to electronics. You can say fazer compras de supermercado for food.
No, that's a common mistake. You should say ir ao shopping to mean going to the mall building.
Fazer compras is more common in Brazil, while ir às compras is the preferred form in Portugal.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
You can say só olhar (just looking) or use the slang bater perna (hitting the legs/walking around).
Yes! Just add online or pela internet, as in fazer compras online.
Comprar is the verb 'to buy'. Fazer compras is the activity of 'shopping'.
It refers to the large monthly grocery trip common in Brazilian households to stock up on staples.
Both work, but fazer compras focuses on the act of buying, while ir às compras focuses on the trip.
No, for large single items like a house or car, just use the verb comprar.
Frases relacionadas
ir ao shopping
fazer o rancho
bater perna
ir às compras
comprar lembrancinhas
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