Portuguese Phrase
Vamos fazer um jantar.
Meaning
The sentence is a friendly invitation or suggestion to prepare a dinner together. It conveys a sense of collaboration and often implies that the speakers will cook or arrange the meal as a group.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings – with family, friends, or roommates – when you want to propose cooking a meal together, especially in the evening. It’s less common in formal or business contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vamosfazerumjantar
Vamos (ir + infinitive)
‘Vamos’ is the first‑person plural present of ‘ir’ used as a suggestion, equivalent to English ‘let’s’. It is followed by an infinitive verb.
Infinitive ‘fazer’
‘Fazer’ means ‘to do / to make’. When paired with ‘vamos’, it expresses a joint action that the speaker proposes.
Indefinite article ‘um’
‘Um’ is the masculine singular indefinite article, used here because ‘jantar’ is a countable noun (a dinner).
Noun vs. verb ‘jantar’
‘Jantar’ can be a noun (dinner) or a verb (to have dinner). In this sentence it functions as a noun, so the article ‘um’ is required.
🗨In Conversation
Vamos fazer um jantar?
Shall we make dinner?
Claro! O que você quer cozinhar?
Sure! What do you want to cook?
✕Common Mistakes
Vamos fazer jantar.
The indefinite article ‘um’ is required before the noun ‘jantar’ when it’s used as a countable noun.
Vamos fazer o jantar.
Using the definite article ‘o’ changes the meaning to ‘let’s make *the* dinner (the one already planned)’, which is less common for a spontaneous suggestion.
Vamos fazer um janta.
‘Janta’ is a colloquial abbreviation; in formal or neutral speech you should use the full noun ‘jantar’.
↔Alternatives
Vamos preparar o jantar.
Let's prepare dinner.
Que tal fazermos o jantar?
How about we make dinner?
Vamos cozinhar algo para o jantar.
Let's cook something for dinner.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, dinner (jantar) is usually eaten later than in many other countries, often around 8 – 9 pm. Preparing a meal together is a common way to bond with family or friends, especially on weekends or special occasions. If you’re invited to ‘fazer um jantar’, expect a relaxed, communal atmosphere and possibly a mix of dishes.