Portuguese Phrase
Faz 8-12 repetições pra ganhar músculo.
Meaning
This sentence is a piece of gym advice: do between eight and twelve repetitions of an exercise if you want to build muscle. It uses informal language typical of a trainer talking to a client.
When to use
Use it when giving workout instructions, writing a fitness blog, or chatting with a gym buddy about how many reps are optimal for hypertrophy.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Faz8-12repetiçõespraganharmúsculo
Faz (imperative)
‘Faz’ is the informal tu‑imperative of the verb *fazer* (to do). In many regions of Brazil the informal ‘tu’ is used, so ‘Faz’ sounds like a casual command.
8‑12 (numeric range)
The hyphen indicates a range of repetitions. In spoken Portuguese you would say ‘oito a doze’.
repetições (noun)
Plural noun meaning ‘repetitions’. It agrees with the numeric range, which is understood as plural.
pra (contraction)
‘Pra’ is the colloquial contraction of *para* (for/to). It is common in everyday speech and informal writing.
ganhar (infinitive)
Infinitive verb meaning ‘to gain/achieve’. It follows the preposition *pra*.
músculo (noun)
Singular noun meaning ‘muscle’. In this context it refers to muscle mass.
🗨In Conversation
Faz 8-12 repetições pra ganhar músculo.
Do 8‑12 reps to gain muscle.
Certo, vou tentar 10 repetições no supino.
Alright, I’ll try 10 reps on the bench press.
✕Common Mistakes
Faz 8-12 repetições pra ganhar músculo.
In formal contexts you should use the polite imperative ‘Faça’ (or ‘Faça você’).
Faz 8-12 repetições pra ganhar músculo.
‘Pra’ is informal; in written instructions for a broader audience use ‘para’.
Faz 8-12 repetições pra ganhar músculos.
The noun ‘músculo’ is singular; avoid saying ‘ganhar músculos’ unless you mean multiple muscle groups.
↔Alternatives
Faça 8 a 12 repetições para ganhar músculo.
Do 8 to 12 repetitions to gain muscle.
Realize de 8 a 12 repetições para hipertrofia.
Perform 8 to 12 repetitions for hypertrophy.
Execute 8‑12 repetições e aumente a massa muscular.
Execute 8‑12 reps and increase muscle mass.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil the informal ‘tu’ form (Faz) is common in the South and some Northeastern states, while most of the country prefers ‘você’ and would say ‘Faça…’. Also, ‘pra’ is perfectly natural in spoken Portuguese but you’ll see ‘para’ in formal writing or subtitles.