Quick answer
Fingir creates a false appearance; pretender expresses an intention or aim.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
fingir
to pretend something is true
Use fingir for creating a false appearance or hiding a real feeling or intention.
pretender
to intend or plan
Use pretender for having a goal or intention for a future action.
How to choose
- fingir: Choose fingir if the sentence points to creating a false appearance or hiding a real feeling or intention.
- pretender: Choose pretender if the sentence points to having a goal or intention for a future action.
Examples
Ele fingiu que não ouviu a pergunta.
He pretended not to hear the question.
Pretendo viajar no fim do ano.
I intend to travel at the end of the year.
Common trap
Portuguese pretender is a false friend of English “pretend.” To act as if something were true, use fingir.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with fingir, then once with pretender. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
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