Afim vs. A Fim de: Related or ‘In Order To’?
Afim means related or similar; a fim de introduces a purpose, while estar a fim de can mean wanting to do something.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Afim is one word and often works as an adjective meaning related, similar, or compatible. It usually agrees in number: interesses afins, áreas afins. The plural afins is common when describing related subjects or fields.
Use afim for a related idea or interest
In some contexts, an afim is a person with whom one has a family relationship through marriage. The core clue is still the word’s role as a noun or adjective, rather than a phrase introducing a goal.
Português e espanhol são línguas afins.
Portuguese and Spanish are related languages.
Ela trabalha em uma área afim à educação.
She works in a field related to education.
Os dois têm interesses afins.
The two have similar interests.
Use a fim de for purpose or informal desire
A fim de is two words. Before an infinitive, it means ‘in order to’ or ‘with the aim of’: a fim de aprender. In informal Brazilian conversation, estar a fim de can also mean to feel like or be interested in doing something: estou a fim de sair.
Do not confuse this expression with afim meaning related. If you can replace it with com o objetivo de, use a fim de. If the meaning is similar or connected, use afim.
Estudo todos os dias a fim de melhorar minha pronúncia.
I study every day in order to improve my pronunciation.
Você está a fim de tomar um café?
Do you feel like having a coffee?
Eles aceitaram a proposta a fim de encerrar a negociação.
They accepted the proposal in order to end the negotiation.
Put it into practice
Afim means related or similar. A fim de introduces a purpose; estar a fim de is an informal way to express interest or desire.
Quick practice
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