How to Say ‘Make Sense’ in Portuguese: Fazer Sentido
Fazer sentido works in questions, explanations, and everyday reactions when an idea is clear or logical.
Real Life Portuguese · 4 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Fazer sentido is the natural expression for making sense. The verb fazer changes with the subject and time: isso faz sentido (that makes sense), fez sentido (it made sense).
Say that an idea makes sense
Agora a explicação faz sentido.
Now the explanation makes sense.
O que você disse fez sentido para mim.
What you said made sense to me.
Ask whether the explanation is clear
Does that make sense? can be translated as isso faz sentido? or fez sentido? after an explanation. To check comprehension more gently, ask ficou claro? (was that clear?) or quer que eu explique de outro jeito? (would you like me to explain it another way?).
Faz sentido até aqui?
Does it make sense so far?
Quer que eu explique de outro jeito?
Would you like me to explain it another way?
Notice when something does not make sense
Add não to make the phrase negative: não faz sentido. Depending on tone, this can mean an idea is illogical or simply that you do not understand it yet. Give a short reason if you want to keep the exchange constructive.
Ainda não faz sentido para mim. Pode dar um exemplo?
It doesn’t make sense to me yet. Could you give an example?
Faz sentido mudar o horário para mais tarde.
It makes sense to move the time later.
Put it into practice
Use fazer sentido for an idea that is logical or clear; add a question or example request to keep the conversation moving.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “It makes sense to move the time later”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.