Significado
Greed can lead to losing everything you have.
Contexto cultural
In Brazil, the concept of 'olho grande' (big eye) is closely related to this proverb. It refers to envy or greed that brings bad luck. Portuguese culture values 'paupérrimo mas honrado' (very poor but honored). This proverb reinforces the idea that seeking too much wealth can lead to a loss of honor or stability. In African Lusophone countries, proverbs are central to community teaching. This phrase is often used by elders to teach children about sharing and community resources. In the Portuguese-speaking business world, this proverb is a common warning against 'over-leveraging' or taking on too much debt to expand.
The Power of Two
Notice the repetition of 'tudo'. This is a common feature in Portuguese proverbs to create a sense of balance and inevitability.
Don't Change the Tense
Even if you are talking about the past, keep the proverb in the present tense to sound natural. Say: 'Ele foi ganancioso e, como dizem, quem tudo quer, tudo perde.'
Significado
Greed can lead to losing everything you have.
The Power of Two
Notice the repetition of 'tudo'. This is a common feature in Portuguese proverbs to create a sense of balance and inevitability.
Don't Change the Tense
Even if you are talking about the past, keep the proverb in the present tense to sound natural. Say: 'Ele foi ganancioso e, como dizem, quem tudo quer, tudo perde.'
Regional Pronunciation
In Portugal, the 'e' in 'perde' is very closed /peɾdɨ/, while in Brazil it is more open or sounds like 'per-dji' in the Southeast.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Quem tudo ____, tudo ____.
The proverb is 'Quem tudo quer, tudo perde' (Who wants everything, loses everything).
In which situation would you use this proverb?
João ganhou 100 reais e apostou tudo de novo para tentar ganhar 1000, mas perdeu os 100.
João was greedy and lost what he already had, which is the exact meaning of the proverb.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
Maria: 'Eu quero comprar esse carro, aquela casa e viajar para a Europa, mas não tenho dinheiro para as contas.' José: 'Cuidado, Maria! ________.'
Maria is being overly ambitious without having the means, so José warns her about the risk of losing everything.
Which word is the direct object in the phrase 'Quem tudo quer'?
Na frase 'Quem tudo quer', a palavra 'tudo' é:
'Tudo' is the thing that is being wanted (querer), making it the direct object.
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Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosQuem tudo ____, tudo ____.
The proverb is 'Quem tudo quer, tudo perde' (Who wants everything, loses everything).
João ganhou 100 reais e apostou tudo de novo para tentar ganhar 1000, mas perdeu os 100.
João was greedy and lost what he already had, which is the exact meaning of the proverb.
Maria: 'Eu quero comprar esse carro, aquela casa e viajar para a Europa, mas não tenho dinheiro para as contas.' José: 'Cuidado, Maria! ________.'
Maria is being overly ambitious without having the means, so José warns her about the risk of losing everything.
Na frase 'Quem tudo quer', a palavra 'tudo' é:
'Tudo' is the thing that is being wanted (querer), making it the direct object.
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Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is extremely common in both Brazil and Portugal, used by all age groups to warn against greed.
Yes, but use it carefully. It's best used when advising a colleague or as a general reflection on a failed strategy.
'Tudo' is an invariable pronoun meaning 'everything'. 'Todo' usually means 'every' or 'all' and requires a noun (e.g., todo o dia).
Not really. The phrase is already very concise. Shortening it would lose the rhythmic balance.
It means 'loses' (present tense). It describes a general truth that happens every time the condition is met.
It's better to save it for 'excessive' ambition or greed. Using it for normal ambition might sound negative.
The traditional proverb is 'Quem tudo quer'. While 'Quem quer tudo' is grammatically correct, it's not the 'canonical' form.
You can say 'ganância' (most common) or 'ambição' (can be positive or negative).
It has moral roots often associated with Catholic teachings, but today it is used in a purely secular way.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb, but 'Quem não arrisca, não petisca' (He who doesn't risk, doesn't snack) encourages taking risks.
Frases relacionadas
Quem muito abarca, pouco aperta
synonymHe who tries to do too much, achieves little.
Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando
similarA bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A ambição cerceia o coração
similarAmbition limits the heart.
O barato sai caro
contrastCheap things end up being expensive.
