Fingir vs. Pretender: How to Say “Pretend” in Portuguese
By Bruno Lopes · Brazilian Portuguese teacher
Host of I Speak Portuguese · Updated
Meet Bruno and the teaching teamThe short answer
| Portuguese | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| fingir | to pretend; to feign | Ela fingiu que não viu. |
| pretender | to intend; to plan; to aim | Pretendo estudar hoje. |
| fingir que… | to pretend that… | Ele fingiu que estava dormindo. |
Use fingir when someone acts as if something is true
Fingir describes pretending, feigning, or putting on an act. It is often followed by que (“that”) and a clause.
- Ela fingiu que não ouviu. — “She pretended she didn’t hear.”
- A criança fingiu estar dormindo. — “The child pretended to be asleep.”
- Não precisa fingir que está tudo bem. — “You don’t have to pretend everything is fine.”
Two useful patterns are fingir que + sentence and fingir + infinitive. You will also hear fingir ser when someone pretends to be a person or thing.
Use pretender for an intention or plan
Pretender usually says what someone intends, plans, or aims to do. It does not mean that the person is acting or making something up.
- Pretendo viajar no próximo ano. — “I plan to travel next year.”
- O que você pretende fazer depois? — “What do you plan to do afterward?”
- Ela pretende abrir um negócio. — “She intends to open a business.”
In everyday conversation, planejar (“to plan”) or ter a intenção de (“to intend to”) can also express this idea. The best choice depends on how direct or formal you want to sound.
Compare them side by side
- Ele fingiu que estava doente. — He pretended to be sick (but he was acting).
- Ele pretende viajar amanhã. — He plans to travel tomorrow.
In the first sentence, fingiu describes a performance. In the second, pretende describes an intention. The context makes the distinction clear.
Quick practice
Choose the verb that matches the meaning: fingir (act as if) or pretender (intend or plan).
- You plan to learn Portuguese this year: “___ aprender português este ano.”
- Your friend acts as if they didn’t see the message: “Meu amigo ___ que não viu a mensagem.”
Show suggested answers
- Pretendo aprender português este ano.
- Meu amigo fingiu que não viu a mensagem.
Remember the difference in context
When the idea is make-believe or an act, choose fingir. When the idea is a future intention or goal, choose pretender. Watch the short lesson above, then review our guide to atualmente vs. actually for another common false friend.
For more guided listening and practice with everyday Brazilian Portuguese, visit the Real Life Portuguese app or explore lessons with our teaching team.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say ‘pretend’ in Portuguese?
The usual verb is fingir. For example, fingir que está dormindo means to pretend to be sleeping.
What does pretender mean in Portuguese?
Pretender generally means to intend, plan, or aim to do something. Pretendo viajar means I plan or intend to travel.
Is pretender a false friend?
It can be. Although the words look alike, English pretend means to act as if something is true, while Portuguese pretender usually refers to intention or a goal.
