Portuguese Phrase
Faço o jantar.
Meaning
The sentence means “I make dinner” or “I’m cooking dinner.” It uses the verb fazer (to do/make) in the first‑person singular present tense, followed by the definite article o and the noun jantar (dinner). It implies that the speaker is preparing the evening meal, not just ordering it.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to tell someone that you are the one preparing the evening meal, for example when a friend asks who is cooking, or when you announce your plans to family.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Façoojantar
Fazer (present 1st person)
‘Faço’ is the first‑person singular present indicative of fazer, used for actions you are doing now or habitually.
Definite article ‘o’
The masculine singular article ‘o’ precedes a specific noun; here it signals the particular dinner you will prepare.
Noun ‘jantar’
‘Jantar’ means the main evening meal; it is a masculine noun, so it takes the article ‘o’.
🗨In Conversation
Quem vai fazer o jantar hoje?
Who is going to make dinner today?
Faço o jantar. Quero experimentar um novo prato de bacalhau.
I’m making dinner. I want to try a new cod dish.
✕Common Mistakes
Faz o jantar.
‘Faz’ is third‑person singular; it would mean ‘He/She makes dinner’, not ‘I make dinner’. Use ‘faço’ for first person.
Faço jantar.
The article ‘o’ is required before ‘jantar’ when you refer to the specific evening meal.
Fazer o jantar.
‘Fazer’ is the infinitive; you need the conjugated form ‘faço’ for a complete sentence.
↔Alternatives
Eu preparo o jantar.
I prepare dinner.
Vou cozinhar o jantar.
I’m going to cook dinner.
Estou preparando o jantar.
I’m getting the dinner ready.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, dinner (jantar) is usually eaten later than in many European countries, often around 8 pm or later. Saying “Faço o jantar” can be a way to show hospitality, especially on weekends when families gather. Be aware that in some regions people may use ‘janta’ as a colloquial short form of jantar.