Fingir vs. fazer de conta
The Portuguese words fingir and fazer de conta both mean to pretend, but they have differences in use and nuance. While both are used to express pretense or deception, they vary in tone, grammar, and contextual usage.
Fingir
B1Fingir is a verb that means to pretend or to fake. It often implies deliberate deception, whether playful or serious, and can be used in many contexts, including emotions, actions, or states.
Ela fingiu estar doente para não ir à escola.
(She pretended to be sick to avoid going to school.)
Ele fingiu não ouvir o que ela disse.
(He pretended not to hear what she said.)
Nós fingimos que estávamos surpresos com a notícia.
(We pretended to be surprised by the news.)
Você não pode fingir felicidade para sempre.
(You can't fake happiness forever.)
Ela fingiu entender a explicação complicada.
(She pretended to understand the complicated explanation.)
Fazer de conta
A2Fazer de conta is an idiomatic expression that also means to pretend, but it is more commonly used in informal or playful contexts, often involving imagination or pretense that is understood as fiction or make-believe.
As crianças fizeram de conta que eram super-heróis.
(The children pretended they were superheroes.)
Faz de conta que somos milionários por um dia!
(Let's pretend we're millionaires for a day!)
Ela fez de conta que não ouviu a pergunta embaraçosa.
(She pretended that she didn't hear the embarrassing question.)
Vamos fazer de conta que estamos em um filme.
(Let's pretend we're in a movie.)
Ele sempre faz de conta que está ocupado quando não quer ajudar.
(He always pretends to be busy when he doesn’t want to help.)
Summary
Fingir and fazer de conta both translate to to pretend, but they differ in nuance and use. Fingir usually implies deliberate and possibly deceptive pretense, and it can be used in both formal and informal settings. On the other hand, fazer de conta is more idiomatic and playful, often used in scenarios related to imagination, role-playing, or lighthearted situations. Choosing one over the other depends on the tone and context of the conversation.