muito fazer força
to make an effort
Literally: much to do force
Use this phrase to show you are trying your absolute hardest to achieve a specific result.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe putting in significant physical or mental effort.
- Commonly used in daily life for tasks requiring extra energy.
- Implies a sense of struggle or intense concentration to succeed.
Meaning
This phrase describes putting in a lot of effort or trying really hard to make something happen. It is used when you are pushing yourself physically, mentally, or emotionally to achieve a result.
Key Examples
3 of 6Trying to open a stuck door
Eu estou fazendo muita força, mas a porta não abre!
I am pushing really hard, but the door won't open!
Studying for a difficult exam
Estou fazendo muita força para entender essa matéria.
I'm making a huge effort to understand this subject.
Trying to remember a person's name
Faça força para lembrar onde deixamos as chaves.
Try hard to remember where we left the keys.
Cultural Background
The expression reflects a cultural appreciation for resilience and physical labor. In Brazil, it is often linked to the concept of 'batalhar' (to battle), suggesting that life requires constant effort to move forward. It transitioned from purely physical labor to mental and social effort over the 20th century.
The Gender Match
Always remember that 'força' is feminine. You must say 'muita força', never 'muito força'. It's a common mistake for beginners!
Don't 'Force the Bar'
If you hear 'forçar a barra', it means someone is being pushy or trying too hard to make something happen that shouldn't. It's the negative version of effort.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe putting in significant physical or mental effort.
- Commonly used in daily life for tasks requiring extra energy.
- Implies a sense of struggle or intense concentration to succeed.
What It Means
Fazer força literally means to apply physical pressure. When you add muito, you are emphasizing the intensity. It is like saying you are 'pushing hard' or 'straining.' In a broader sense, it means you are giving it your all. You are not just trying; you are struggling or working intensely.
How To Use It
You can use it for physical acts like opening a jar. You also use it for abstract things like studying. Usually, you say estou fazendo muita força. Notice how muito changes to muita to match força. It is a very versatile verb-noun combo. It feels active and energetic in conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to show you are dedicated. Use it at the gym when lifting weights. Use it when describing a difficult project at work. It is great for telling a friend you are trying to stay awake. It works perfectly when you are trying to remember a name. If there is resistance, you are fazendo força.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for effortless tasks. If something is easy, this phrase sounds dramatic. Avoid it in very high-level legal documents. There, use empenhar-se or esforçar-se. Do not use it if you are just 'doing' something. It implies a struggle or a heavy lift. If you are just eating a sandwich, don't say it!
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people value the idea of 'garra' or grit. Fazer força is the verbal manifestation of that grit. It reflects a culture that often has to work hard to overcome obstacles. It is a humble way to say you are working hard. It sounds more grounded than using fancy academic words. It’s the language of the people.
Common Variations
You will often hear fazer um esforço. Another common one is fazer o possível. If someone is trying too hard to be liked, we say they are forçando a barra. That is a fun slang variation. But fazer muita força remains the classic for raw effort. It is the bread and butter of daily persistence.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any conversation. Just remember to conjugate the verb 'fazer' according to the subject and tense, and always keep 'muita' in the feminine form to match 'força'.
The Gender Match
Always remember that 'força' is feminine. You must say 'muita força', never 'muito força'. It's a common mistake for beginners!
Don't 'Force the Bar'
If you hear 'forçar a barra', it means someone is being pushy or trying too hard to make something happen that shouldn't. It's the negative version of effort.
The 'Jeitinho' Contrast
While 'fazer força' is about raw effort, the famous 'jeitinho brasileiro' is about finding a clever, effortless way around a problem. They are two sides of the same coin!
Examples
6Eu estou fazendo muita força, mas a porta não abre!
I am pushing really hard, but the door won't open!
Here it describes literal physical exertion.
Estou fazendo muita força para entender essa matéria.
I'm making a huge effort to understand this subject.
Shows mental effort and concentration.
Faça força para lembrar onde deixamos as chaves.
Try hard to remember where we left the keys.
Used as an imperative to encourage someone to think.
Hoje tive que fazer muita força para não dormir na reunião.
Today I had to try so hard not to fall asleep in the meeting.
Relatable and slightly humorous usage.
Nós dois estamos fazendo muita força para o casamento dar certo.
We are both making a great effort for the marriage to work.
Emotional context showing commitment.
Não faça muita força com as costas, use as pernas.
Don't put too much strain on your back, use your legs.
Instructional use regarding physical safety.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of 'much' to match the noun 'força'.
Eu tive que fazer ___ força para carregar as malas.
In Portuguese, 'força' is a feminine noun, so 'muito' must change to 'muita' to agree with it.
Complete the sentence to say you are trying hard to learn.
Estou ___ muita força para aprender português.
The verb 'fazer' (to do/make) is the standard collocation used with 'força'.
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Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Fazer Força'
Used with friends or family while struggling with something.
Faz força aí, cara!
Standard way to describe effort in most situations.
Fiz muita força hoje.
In professional settings, 'esforçar-se' is often preferred.
Solicito que façam um esforço.
When to use 'Fazer Muita Força'
At the Gym
Lifting heavy weights
Studying
Preparing for finals
Memory
Recalling a password
Home Repair
Loosening a rusty bolt
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is very common for mental or emotional effort too. For example, Estou fazendo força para gostar dele means 'I am trying hard to like him.'
Yes, it is neutral enough for work. However, using empenhar-se sounds slightly more professional in a formal presentation.
The phrase is usually inverted to fazer muita força. Putting muito before the verb sounds like a direct translation from English and is less natural.
Esforçar-se is a single verb meaning 'to exert oneself' and is more formal. Fazer força is more colloquial and visual.
You can say Não faça muita força. This works for both physical objects and personal expectations.
People might say dar o sangue (to give blood) to mean they are working extremely hard, which is much more intense than fazer força.
No, for 'trying' food or clothes, use the verb provar or experimentar. Fazer força implies a struggle.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same meaning.
You change the verb fazer. For example: Eu fiz muita força ontem (I made a lot of effort yesterday).
No, for that you would use the verb obrigar. Fazer força is about your own exertion.
Related Phrases
dar o máximo
to give one's maximum/best
esforçar-se
to exert oneself / to try hard
forçar a barra
to push your luck / to be pushy
fazer o possível
to do one's best / what is possible
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