Fazendo

Fazendo is the gerund form of the verb fazer, meaning to do or to make. It denotes an action in progress or a process and is used to express ongoing actions or to describe how something is being done.

Etymology and form: Fazendo is derived from the infinitive fazer, using the standard Portuguese gerund suffix -ndo. The form reflects the root faz- combined with -endo and is the typical gerund for -er verbs like fazer.

Usage and varieties: In Brazilian Portuguese, fazer in the gerund is commonly used with estar to indicate ongoing actions, as in estou fazendo o almoço (I am making lunch). In European Portuguese, the progressive sense is more often expressed with estar a fazer (Estou a fazer o almoço). Both forms appear in informal speech, but the Brazilian uso of estar fazendo is widespread. The gerund can also modify a noun or clause, as in ele chegou fazendo barulho (he arrived making noise). It appears in fixed expressions such as fazer de conta (to pretend), fazer-se de vítima (to act as if one is a victim), and fazer planos (to make plans).

Examples: O que você está fazendo? Estamos fazendo um curso. Ela está fazendo as malas. Estamos fazendo planos para o futuro.

Notes: Although the gerund marks ongoing action, its use can vary by dialect and style. In formal writing, alternative constructions may be preferred, depending on the regional norms.