How to say “This example makes sense” in Portuguese

Introduction

Learning how to say that something makes sense is a small but powerful skill in conversational Brazilian Portuguese. This article explains simple phrases, vocabulary, and short dialogues so beginners can confidently confirm understanding in everyday situations like classes, shops, restaurants, and messages.

Basic phrase: How to say This example makes sense

The most direct way to say This example makes sense in Brazilian Portuguese is Este exemplo faz sentido. This phrase is useful when you want to confirm that an explanation, demonstration, or example is clear and logical.

Breakdown of the phrase:

Este — this (masculine, for close objects or ideas)

exemplo — example

faz — makes or does (from the verb fazer)

sentido — sense, meaning, or logic

Other common ways to express the same idea

Depending on the context, tone, and formality, Brazilians use several alternatives. These are also appropriate for beginners.

Isso faz sentido — That makes sense. Use when referring to something just mentioned.

Faz sentido — Makes sense. Short and casual; common in spoken language.

Isso é compreensível — That is understandable. Slightly more formal or neutral.

Entendi — I understood. Simple, direct way to show comprehension.

Agora faz sentido — Now it makes sense. Use when something suddenly becomes clear.

When to use each phrase

Choose the phrase based on how formal the situation is and whether you refer to a specific example or a general idea.

Use Este exemplo faz sentido when you point to a current example, such as a sentence in a lesson or a demonstration in a store.

Use Isso faz sentido to react quickly during a conversation or after someone explains something.

Use Faz sentido in casual settings with friends or colleagues. It is short and widely used.

Use Entendi when you want to say you understood without explicitly saying it makes sense. It is useful in classes and customer service interactions.

Key vocabulary explained

Este / Isso — Demonstrative pronouns. Este is used for something close or being shown; isso for something just mentioned or more general.

Exemplo — A sample, example, or illustration. Pronounced approximately ex-EM-plo.

Fazer — To make or do. Conjugated here as faz (he/she/it makes).

Sentido — Sense, meaning, logic. Can also mean direction in other contexts, but here it refers to understanding.

Entender — To understand. Common conjugation for I understood is entendi.

Simple pronunciation tips for beginners

Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation tends to be syllable-timed and melodious. For the main phrase Este exemplo faz sentido try: ES-te ex-EM-plo faz sen-TI-do. Emphasize the stressed syllables ex-EM-plo and sen-TI-do.

For Isso faz sentido say EE-so faz sen-TI-do. Keep vowels open and clear rather than reduced.

Practice saying Entendi as en-TEN-dji; the final sound is softer than the English dj sound.

Everyday situations and realistic examples

Here are short, practical examples where a beginner might say or hear the phrase. All Portuguese is Brazilian Portuguese.

At a language class:

Professor: Vou mostrar um diálogo que explica o uso do presente.
Aluno: Este exemplo faz sentido.

On a bus when someone explains the route:

Passageiro: Então pegamos o ônibus 45 e descemos na segunda parada.
Você: Isso faz sentido.

In a restaurant when the server explains a dish:

Garçom: O prato vem com arroz, feijão e salada.
Você: Agora faz sentido, obrigado.

Reading instructions for a device:

Manual: Ligue o aparelho e pressione o botão azul por três segundos.
Leitor: Entendi.

Short beginner-friendly dialogues

Dialogue 1 — classroom

Aluno: Como eu uso esse verbo?
Professor: Você conjuga no presente: eu faço, você faz. Então: Este exemplo faz sentido?

Dialogue 2 — store

Cliente: Posso devolver se não servir?
Atendente: Sim, tem 7 dias para troca.
Cliente: Isso faz sentido, obrigado.

Dialogue 3 — with a friend

Amigo: Vou te mostrar o caminho no mapa.
Você: Perfeito.
Amigo: Vira à direita depois da padaria.
Você: Faz sentido.

Common replies and follow-ups

After saying Este exemplo faz sentido a natural reply from the other person might be:

Que bom — That’s good.

Ótimo — Great.

Tem alguma dúvida? — Do you have any questions?

If you did not understand, you can say:

Não entendi — I did not understand.

Pode explicar de novo? — Can you explain again?

Polite variations and accents

In polite or formal contexts, you can soften your response:

Este exemplo faz sentido para mim — This example makes sense to me. Adds a personal touch.

Isso parece claro — That seems clear. Slightly more formal.

Using a friendly tone in Brazil often matters more than formal grammar. Smile and keep your voice calm.

Common mistakes beginners make

Using European Portuguese words or spellings. Stick to Brazilian vocabulary and pronunciation.

Overusing literal translations from English, for example saying This example does sense. The correct verb is fazer: faz sentido.

Mixing demonstratives. If you point to an example in front of you, use este. If you refer back to what someone said, isso is usually better.

Forgetting verb agreement. While faz sentido is fixed for it/this/that, when using other verbs check the subject: Eu entendi, Nós entendemos.

Quick cheat sheet for beginners

Short phrases to remember:

Este exemplo faz sentido — This example makes sense.

Isso faz sentido — That makes sense.

Faz sentido — Makes sense.

Entendi — I understood.

Não entendi — I did not understand.

How to practice naturally

Use these phrases in everyday micro-conversations: reply to a friend explaining directions, confirm a recipe step while cooking, or acknowledge an instruction at work. Listening to simple Brazilian Portuguese videos and repeating short sentences will help your pronunciation and confidence.

When reading menus, instructions, or captions, try to say aloud This example makes sense using Este exemplo faz sentido when you truly understand a description. That reinforces both vocabulary and comprehension.

Useful related vocabulary for beginners

Palavras úteis — useful words

entender — to understand

explicar — to explain

mostrar — to show

exemplo — example

ideia — idea

claro — clear

duvida — doubt or question

Conclusion

Mastering simple confirmation phrases like Este exemplo faz sentido and its shortcuts will make you sound natural and confident in Brazilian Portuguese. Use the variations in real situations—class, store, restaurant, and everyday chats—and pay attention to demonstratives and pronunciation. Small, practical steps will help you communicate understanding quickly and politely.