Introduction
The Portuguese structure Tenho feito is useful for talking about repeated or ongoing actions that started recently and still influence the present. This article explains when and how to use tenho feito in Brazilian Portuguese, with clear grammar rules, examples, and cultural notes to help English-speaking learners feel confident using it.
What is Tenho feito?
Tenho feito is the present perfect continuous-like construction formed with the present tense of ter plus the past participle of fazer. Grammatically, it uses the verb ter as an auxiliary: tenho (eu) + feito (particípio). In meaning, it emphasizes repeated or ongoing actions that occurred several times recently or have an effect now.
How it compares to English
English speakers often translate tenho feito as I have been doing or I have done. Use I have been doing when you want to stress repetition or continuity over a recent period. Use I have done when focusing simply on completed actions with present relevance. In Portuguese, tenho feito tends toward the repeated/recent sense rather than a single completed past event.
Form and conjugation
The structure is simple: present tense of ter + past participle of fazer. For other persons, conjugate ter and keep feito fixed.
Examples of the full conjugation with fazer (particípio: feito):
tenho feito (eu)
tens feito or tem feito in informal/standard speech for tu/ele/ela? In Brazil, tu is less common in many regions; use você/ele/ela: tem feito
temos feito (nós)
têm feito or têm feito (vocês/eles/elas) — note modern orthography uses têm for vocês/eles/elas, but spoken pronunciation varies
In everyday Brazilian Portuguese, people often prefer você/ele/ela forms: tenho feito, tem feito, temos feito, têm feito.
Main uses of tenho feito
Below are the core situations where you will naturally use tenho feito in Brazilian Portuguese.
1. Repeated recent actions
Use tenho feito to describe actions that have happened multiple times in a recent period. The speaker implies repetition rather than a single completed event.
Example:
Tenho feito caminhadas todas as manhãs na praia.
Translation sense: I have been taking walks every morning at the beach. The focus is on the repeated habit during the recent days.
2. Actions with present consequences
Use tenho feito when recent actions affect the present situation. The construction links past activity to current results or feelings.
Example:
Tenho feito muitas ligações hoje, por isso estou cansado.
Translation sense: I have made a lot of calls today, so I’m tired. The calls happened recently and explain the present tiredness.
3. Emphasizing a temporary pattern
When a behavior is temporary or different from usual, tenho feito highlights that contrast. It suggests the behavior is characteristic of a recent period but not permanent.
Example:
Tenho feito comida vegetariana nesta semana porque estou testando receitas.
Translation sense: I have been making vegetarian food this week because I’m trying recipes. The use signals a short-term change.
4. Expressing ongoing attempts or efforts
The phrase also works for ongoing attempts or repeated efforts, where success is not guaranteed but the effort is continuous.
Example:
Tenho feito exercícios para melhorar a minha pronúncia.
Translation sense: I have been doing exercises to improve my pronunciation. The action is ongoing and intentional.
Common verbs used with the same pattern
Although this article focuses on Tenho feito, the same pattern exists for many verbs: tenho + participle. Examples of other verbs used in similar repeated/recent senses include:
tenho lido, tenho estudado, tenho viajado, tenho ido, tenho tentado.
Example:
Tenho estudado português todas as noites.
Nuances compared to other past constructions
Portuguese has several past and present-perfect forms. Understanding the difference helps you choose tenho feito correctly.
1. Pretérito perfeito composto (tenho feito)
Used for repeated/recent actions with present relevance. Emphasizes continuity or repetition.
2. Pretérito perfeito simples (fiz)
Used for single completed actions in the past. Use fiz when you talk about a specific past event with a clear time reference.
Example:
Fiz a tarefa ontem.
3. Pretérito imperfeito (fazia)
Used for habitual actions in the past or background descriptions. Fazia indicates past habits or ongoing states at a past time, not necessarily linked to the present.
Example:
Fazia caminhadas quando morava perto do parque.
4. Present perfect (tenho feito) versus present continuous (estou fazendo)
Tenho feito stresses repeated or recent past actions with effects now. Estou fazendo describes actions happening at this very moment. They are not interchangeable.
Example:
Tenho feito muitas reuniões esta semana. (repeated events over the week)
Estou fazendo uma reunião agora. (happening right now)
Examples in context
Examples below show different contexts where Brazilians might naturally use tenho feito. Each example includes a short English gloss to clarify meaning.
Tenho feito aulas de violão por causa de um show no fim do mês.
I have been taking guitar lessons because of a show at the end of the month.
Ultimamente tenho feito menos compras no supermercado e mais compras online.
Lately I have been doing fewer supermarket trips and more online shopping.
Tenho feito anotações durante as reuniões para não esquecer nada.
I have been taking notes during meetings so I don’t forget anything.
Minha mãe diz que tenho feito progresso no português, o que me deixa feliz.
My mother says that I have been making progress in Portuguese, which makes me happy.
Using time expressions with tenho feito
Time phrases often accompany tenho feito to show the recent period under discussion. Common time expressions are:
nesta semana, ultimamente, nos últimos dias, ultimamente, recentemente, hoje.
Examples:
Tenho feito yoga nos últimos dias.
Tenho feito mais perguntas nas aulas ultimamente.
Pronunciation and colloquial usage
In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, tenho feito may be pronounced quickly and connected. The past participle feito stays the same for all persons, which simplifies learning. In casual speech, people might prefer simpler verbs or contractions, but tenho feito remains common for the meaning described here.
Regional notes
Brazil is large and regional varieties exist. The verbal pattern is standard across Brazil. However, the second person singular tu with tens is common in the South and Northeast, while most of Brazil uses você with tem. So you might hear tens feito in some dialects, but tem feito is more widely used.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Beginners make a few predictable errors when using tenho feito. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.
Mistake: Using tenho feito for one isolated past event.
Correction: Use the simple past fiz or another past tense when it is a single completed action.
Example wrong: Tenho feito a prova ontem. (incorrect for a single event)
Correct: Fiz a prova ontem.
Mistake: Mixing present continuous with present perfect meaning.
Correction: Use tenho feito for repeated/recent actions and estou fazendo for actions happening now.
Example wrong: Estou fazendo exercícios toda semana. (sounds like every week at this moment)
Correct: Tenho feito exercícios toda semana.
Mistake: Wrong auxiliary verb.
Correction: Use ter + participle for the compound meaning; do not use estar + participle unless forming progressive aspect (estou fazendo).
Tips for practicing naturally
To integrate tenho feito into your speech, notice how Brazilians describe recent habits. Listen for time markers like ultimamente or nos últimos dias. Try short sentences about your weekly routines using tenho feito and time expressions. Pair it with verbs you already know: tenho lido, tenho estudado, tenho trabalhado.
When in doubt, ask a native speaker if an action is perceived as a repeated or single event. Native feedback helps you pick pretérito perfeito composto over pretérito perfeito simples or imperfeito.
Usage in everyday conversation
Here are short dialogues showing how tenho feito appears in natural Brazilian Portuguese exchanges.
A: Você tem praticado futebol?
B: Tenho feito alguns treinos com os amigos aos sábados.
A: Como anda o seu curso de culinária?
B: Tenho feito receitas novas toda semana e estou adorando.
Cultural note
Brazilians often talk about habits, routines, and small improvements using compound tenses. Saying tenho feito can convey dedication and a positive impression, for example when discussing learning a language, hobby, or fitness routine. It shows ongoing engagement rather than a single isolated attempt.
Conclusion
Tenho feito is a practical and common structure in Brazilian Portuguese for describing repeated recent actions, temporary patterns, and activities with present consequences. Form it with ter + feito, use time markers like ultimamente or nos últimos dias, and contrast it with simple past and progressive forms to pick the right meaning. With practice and exposure to natural speech, you will soon feel comfortable using tenho feito in everyday conversation.
