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A2 noun 10 min de lecture

acima de

Exemples
Explication acima de in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'acima de' is introduced as a basic way to describe where things are. Imagine you are describing a room or a simple picture. You might say 'The sun is above the house' or 'The bird is above the tree'. At this stage, the most important thing is to remember the 'de' and how it changes when followed by 'o' or 'a'. You don't need to worry about complex metaphorical meanings yet. Just focus on physical height. Think of it as the opposite of 'below'. If you are looking at a stack of things, 'acima de' helps you identify which one is higher. It is a very useful phrase for simple descriptions and following basic instructions like 'look above the door'. You will also see it in very simple temperature readings, like 'above 20 degrees'. The key is to distinguish it from 'em cima de' (on top of). If you put a hat on your head, it's 'em cima'. If a halo is floating over your head, it's 'acima'. This distinction is the core of A1 learning for this word. Practice with common objects in your house to build muscle memory for the contractions like 'acima do' and 'acima da'.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'acima de' for more than just physical objects. You will use it to talk about levels and simple comparisons. For example, in weather reports, you will hear 'temperaturas acima de 30 graus'. In school or work, you might talk about being 'acima da média' (above average). This level also introduces the very common phrase 'acima de tudo', which means 'above all' or 'most importantly'. You can use this to start sentences and emphasize your main point. You will also encounter 'acima de' in slightly more complex spatial directions, such as 'the apartment above mine'. You should be comfortable with all the contractions (do, da, dos, das) and start to recognize 'acima' as an adverb on its own, like 'mencionado acima' (mentioned above). At A2, you are building the bridge between the physical world and abstract concepts of level and importance. You might also see it used in health contexts, like 'acima do peso' (overweight), which is a common and useful expression. Focus on these standard collocations to sound more like a native speaker.
By B1, you should be using 'acima de' fluently in a variety of contexts, including professional and semi-formal situations. You will use it to describe hierarchies (who is above whom in a company) and to discuss values and ethics. For example, 'A ética deve estar acima do lucro' (Ethics must be above profit). You will also use it in more detailed descriptions of data, such as 'the results are above expectations'. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'acima de' and its more formal counterparts like 'superior a'. You will also start to see 'acima de' in idiomatic expressions and more complex sentence structures. For instance, 'estar acima de qualquer suspeita' (to be above suspicion). Your understanding of the word should now include the nuance that 'acima de' often implies a standard or a limit that has been exceeded. You will also use it in writing to refer back to previous points ('conforme acima exposto' - as explained above). This level requires a more precise use of the phrase in both spoken and written Portuguese, ensuring that you don't confuse it with 'sobre' when 'acima de' is more specific.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'acima de' with precision in formal arguments and complex discussions. You will use it to discuss legal and social concepts, such as 'ninguém está acima da lei' (no one is above the law). You will also use it in technical or academic writing to describe data trends and hierarchical structures. At this stage, you should be very comfortable with the metaphorical uses of the word, such as describing someone's character or a situation's complexity. For example, 'uma situação acima da minha capacidade de resolver' (a situation beyond/above my capacity to solve). You will also explore the use of 'acima de' in literature and high-level journalism, where it might be used to create specific rhetorical effects. You should also be aware of the subtle differences between 'acima de' and 'além de' in various contexts, choosing the one that best fits the intended meaning of 'higher' versus 'further'. Your ability to use 'acima de tudo' as a sophisticated transition in an essay or a speech is also a hallmark of this level. You are moving beyond simple usage into the realm of stylistic choice and nuanced expression.
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At the C1 level, your use of 'acima de' is sophisticated and naturally integrated into complex discourse. You understand the historical and etymological roots that give the word its weight in formal Portuguese. You can use it in philosophical discussions about hierarchies of values or in high-level business negotiations to describe thresholds and performance. You are sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use 'acima de' and when to opt for more specialized terms like 'preponderante sobre' or 'transcendental a'. You will encounter 'acima de' in classical Portuguese literature and legal codes, where its meaning is precise and often carries significant weight. You can also use it to express subtle irony or sarcasm, such as describing someone who acts 'acima de sua estação' (above their station). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are manipulating it to fit the exact tone and nuance of your message. Your mastery of the contractions and the surrounding grammar is flawless, allowing you to focus entirely on the conceptual depth of your communication. You also recognize rare or archaic uses of the word in older texts.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native or native-like command of 'acima de'. You can use it in any context, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic or legal prose. You understand all the subtle connotations it carries in different Portuguese-speaking cultures (Brazil, Portugal, Angola, etc.). You can use it in poetry or creative writing to evoke specific imagery or emotional responses. You are also aware of how 'acima de' interacts with other complex grammatical structures in Portuguese, such as the personal infinitive or the subjunctive mood in relative clauses. Your understanding includes the ability to critique its usage in others' writing and to suggest more precise alternatives if necessary. You are comfortable with the word in its most abstract forms, such as 'o acima' used as a noun in bureaucratic shorthand, and you can navigate the most complex idiomatic expressions with ease. At this ultimate level, 'acima de' is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal, used with complete confidence and total precision to convey even the most minute shades of meaning in any situation.
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Exemples

The Portuguese expression acima de is a fundamental prepositional locution used to describe positions, levels, or values that are higher than a specific reference point. For English speakers, it most directly translates to 'above' or 'over'. However, its usage spans far beyond simple physical location, touching on social hierarchy, numerical thresholds, and abstract qualities. Understanding acima de requires a clear distinction between something being 'higher than' (above) and something being 'on top of' (em cima de). While English sometimes uses 'on' or 'over' interchangeably, Portuguese is quite strict about the lack of physical contact implied by acima de.

Spatial Position
Used when an object is at a higher altitude or level than another without touching it. For example, a plane flying over a city or a shelf placed higher than a desk.

O avião está voando acima de Lisboa neste exato momento.

In numerical contexts, acima de is the standard way to indicate that a value exceeds a certain limit. This is common in weather reports, financial discussions, and academic grading. If the temperature is 30 degrees, and it rises, it goes acima de 30. If a student needs a 7 to pass and gets an 8, their grade is acima da média (above the average). Note the contraction: 'de' + 'a' becomes 'da'.

Hierarchy and Authority
In a professional or social setting, it denotes superiority in rank or importance. A manager is 'acima de' a supervisor in the organizational chart.

Ninguém está acima de qualquer suspeita durante a investigação.

Abstractly, it can mean 'beyond' or 'surpassing'. If someone's talent is 'acima de qualquer expectativa', it means they exceeded all expectations. It is also used in moral contexts, such as 'acima de tudo' (above all/most importantly), which is a very frequent transition phrase in both spoken and written Portuguese to emphasize a primary point.

Quantity and Limits
Used to indicate that a number or amount is greater than the specified reference. It is often synonymous with 'mais de' in these specific cases.

A temperatura hoje ficará acima de trinta graus Celsius.

As nuvens estão acima de nós, cobrindo o sol.

Ele colocou a ética acima de seus interesses pessoais.

Using acima de correctly involves paying attention to the noun that follows it, as the preposition 'de' will often contract with articles. If you are saying 'above the table', it becomes 'acima da mesa' (de + a). If it is 'above the cars', it becomes 'acima dos carros' (de + os). This contraction is a vital part of sounding natural in Portuguese. The phrase is incredibly versatile, appearing in physical, metaphorical, and mathematical contexts.

Physical Height
When describing where something is located in relation to another object vertically. Example: 'The painting is above the sofa.'

O quadro está pendurado acima do sofá na sala de estar.

In formal documents or academic writing, acima de is used to refer to information previously mentioned in the text. You might see phrases like 'como mencionado acima' (as mentioned above). While 'acima' is used alone here as an adverb, when you reference a specific section, the 'de' returns: 'acima do parágrafo anterior' (above the previous paragraph).

Abstract Superiority
When one concept is considered more important or higher in value than another. Example: 'Honesty is above all.'

A honestidade deve estar acima de qualquer lucro financeiro.

In common speech, especially in Brazil, you will hear acima de used to describe people who are 'above average' (acima da média). This can apply to intelligence, height, or performance. It is a very positive way to describe someone's capabilities. Conversely, being 'acima do peso' is the standard, polite way to say someone is 'overweight' in a medical or descriptive sense.

Comparative Limits
Used to compare a current state to a predefined limit or expectation. Example: 'The noise was above the allowed level.'

O barulho da festa estava acima do limite permitido pela lei.

Ele é um aluno acima da média em matemática.

Mantenha os braços acima da cabeça durante o exercício.

You will encounter acima de in almost every facet of Portuguese-speaking life. In the news, it's ubiquitous during the weather forecast and financial reports. Anchors will discuss temperatures rising 'acima da média histórica' or inflation staying 'acima da meta'. These are formal but very common contexts. In daily life, you might hear it at the gym when an instructor tells you to lift weights 'acima dos ombros' (above the shoulders).

News and Media
Used to report statistics, climate changes, and legal matters. 'Above the law' (acima da lei) is a common phrase in political reporting.

A inflação este mês ficou acima de cinco por cento.

In a work environment, it appears in discussions about hierarchy and reporting lines. 'Quem está acima de você?' (Who is above you?) is a standard way to ask about someone's boss or supervisor. It is also used in performance reviews to describe employees who go 'acima e além' (above and beyond), though 'além das expectativas' is more common for the 'beyond' part.

Aviation and Geography
Used to describe altitude and elevation. Essential for navigation and describing mountain heights.

A cidade está localizada a mil metros acima do nível do mar.

Culturally, you'll hear it in motivational speeches or religious contexts. The phrase 'Deus acima de todos' (God above everyone) is a common religious and political slogan in Brazil. It signifies a hierarchy of values where spiritual or supreme power takes precedence over earthly matters. Even in casual settings, if someone is being arrogant, someone might say they think they are 'acima de tudo e de todos' (above everything and everyone).

Daily Social Interactions
Used to describe people's attitudes or simple physical arrangements in a house or office.

Por favor, coloque os livros na prateleira acima da televisão.

O sol já estava bem acima do horizonte quando acordei.

Sua dedicação está acima de qualquer crítica.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing acima de with em cima de. In English, 'on' and 'above' are distinct, but 'over' can cover both. In Portuguese, if something is touching the surface, it is em cima de. If there is space between them, it is acima de. Putting your keys acima da mesa would imply they are levitating above it, which is likely not what you mean!

Acima de vs. Em cima de
'Em cima de' means 'on top of' (physical contact). 'Acima de' means 'above' (no physical contact or abstract higher level).

Errado: O livro está acima da mesa. (Unless it's flying!)
Correto: O livro está em cima da mesa.

Another error involves the choice between acima de and mais de when talking about quantities. While acima de is used for levels (above 30 degrees), mais de is used for simple counting of items. For example, 'more than ten people' is 'mais de dez pessoas'. Using 'acima de dez pessoas' is technically possible in some contexts but sounds less natural than 'mais de' for counting individuals.

Acima vs. Sobre
'Sobre' is a more formal and versatile preposition that can mean 'on top of', 'above', or 'about'. Use 'acima de' specifically for vertical distance.

Confuso: O pássaro voa sobre a casa. (Correct, but can also mean 'about the house').
Claro: O pássaro voa acima da casa. (Specifically higher than the house).

Learners also often confuse acima (adverb) with cima (noun/part of phrase). You say 'lá em cima' (up there) but 'acima de algo' (above something). You cannot say 'cima de algo' without the 'em' or the 'a' prefix. This subtle difference in the starting letter 'a' changes the grammatical function entirely. Always remember: 'acima' needs 'de' when followed by an object.

Spelling Error
Writing 'a cima' as two words. It is always 'acima' when meaning 'above'. 'A cima' (two words) is extremely rare and usually part of 'de baixo a cima'.

Errado: Ele mora a cima de mim.
Correto: Ele mora acima de mim.

O preço está acima do que eu posso pagar.

Não coloque nada acima da sua saúde.

Portuguese offers several ways to express the concept of 'above' or 'over', each with its own nuance. Sobre is perhaps the most common alternative, but it is much broader. It can mean 'on', 'above', or 'about' (as in 'a book about history'). In formal writing, sobre is often preferred for its elegance, but in everyday speech, acima de is clearer when specifically discussing vertical distance or hierarchy.

Acima de vs. Sobre
'Acima de' is specific to verticality. 'Sobre' can mean 'above' but also 'on' or 'concerning'. Example: 'O livro sobre a mesa' (The book on the table) vs 'O quadro acima da mesa' (The picture above the table).

A lâmpada está acima da mesa, mas o copo está sobre a mesa.

Another related term is Além de. While acima de means 'higher than', além de means 'beyond' or 'in addition to'. They overlap when talking about expectations or limits. If something is 'beyond expectations', you can say 'além das expectativas' or 'acima das expectativas'. Além focuses on the distance or the 'further' aspect, while acima focuses on the 'higher' aspect.

Superior a
This is a more formal, Latinate alternative. Often used in technical, mathematical, or hierarchical contexts. 'Um salário superior a...' (A salary higher than...).

O desempenho dele foi superior ao esperado pelos diretores.

For physical directions, you might also use para cima (upwards) or no alto de (at the top of). While acima de describes a relative position, no alto de describes a specific location at the peak of something. For instance, 'no alto da montanha' (at the top of the mountain) vs 'acima da montanha' (above the mountain, like a cloud).

Mais que / Mais de
Used for numerical comparisons. 'More than 10'. In many cases where English uses 'above', Portuguese uses 'mais de' if it's purely about counting.

Havia mais de cem pessoas no evento ontem à noite.

O lucro este ano está acima das projeções iniciais.

Coloque a família acima de tudo na sua vida.

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Exemples par niveau

1

O pássaro voa acima da árvore.

The bird flies above the tree.

Note 'da' (de + a) because 'árvore' is feminine.

2

O sol está acima das nuvens.

The sun is above the clouds.

Note 'das' (de + as) for plural feminine.

3

A prateleira está acima da mesa.

The shelf is above the table.

Spatial relationship with no contact.

4

O avião está acima de nós.

The plane is above us.

Use 'de' before the pronoun 'nós'.

5

Olhe para o quadro acima da porta.

Look at the picture above the door.

Imperative 'olhe' followed by 'acima da'.

6

A temperatura está acima de zero.

The temperature is above zero.

Used for numerical levels.

7

O relógio está acima da cama.

The clock is above the bed.

Simple spatial position.

8

Coloque o livro acima do outro.

Put the book above the other one.

Comparing two objects vertically.

1

Hoje a temperatura está acima de 30 graus.

Today the temperature is above 30 degrees.

Common weather context.

2

Ela é uma aluna acima da média.

She is an above-average student.

Metaphorical level of quality.

3

Acima de tudo, seja honesto.

Above all, be honest.

Fixed expression 'acima de tudo' used for emphasis.

4

O apartamento dele fica acima do meu.

His apartment is above mine.

Used for floors in a building.

5

Ele está um pouco acima do peso.

He is a little overweight.

Polite way to describe weight.

6

O nível da água está acima do normal.

The water level is above normal.

Comparing to a standard 'normal'.

7

O preço está acima do que eu esperava.

The price is above what I expected.

'Acima do que' links to a clause.

8

Voe acima das montanhas.

Fly above the mountains.

Plural contraction 'das'.

1

A empresa valoriza a qualidade acima de tudo.

The company values quality above all.

Hierarchy of corporate values.

2

Seu desempenho foi acima das expectativas este mês.

Your performance was above expectations this month.

Common business phrase.

3

Ninguém deve estar acima da lei.

No one should be above the law.

Political/Legal concept.

4

O barulho estava acima do limite permitido.

The noise was above the permitted limit.

Legal/Regulatory context.

5

O diretor está acima do gerente na hierarquia.

The director is above the manager in the hierarchy.

Professional hierarchy.

6

A cidade fica a dois mil metros acima do nível do mar.

The city is two thousand meters above sea level.

Standard geographical expression.

7

Ele sempre coloca os interesses do grupo acima dos seus.

He always puts the group's interests above his own.

Moral/Ethical context.

8

Como mencionado acima, o projeto começa amanhã.

As mentioned above, the project starts tomorrow.

Referencing previous text (adverbial use).

1

O lucro da empresa ficou bem acima das projeções.

The company's profit was well above projections.

Financial analysis context.

2

Ele é um homem íntegro, acima de qualquer suspeita.

He is a man of integrity, above any suspicion.

Idiomatic expression for reputation.

3

A liberdade deve estar acima de qualquer ideologia.

Freedom must be above any ideology.

Abstract philosophical argument.

4

O nível de radiação estava acima do aceitável.

The radiation level was above acceptable levels.

Technical/Safety context.

5

Ela agiu acima de seu dever para salvar o paciente.

She acted above/beyond her duty to save the patient.

Surpassing obligations.

6

O sol já estava acima do horizonte às seis da manhã.

The sun was already above the horizon at six in the morning.

Astronomical/Spatial description.

7

Mantenha a cabeça acima da água, apesar dos problemas.

Keep your head above water, despite the problems.

Metaphorical use of a physical action.

8

O resultado final foi acima de tudo o que planejamos.

The final result was above everything we planned.

Surpassing planning/expectations.

1

A soberania nacional deve ser colocada acima de interesses partidários.

National sovereignty must be placed above partisan interests.

Political science/Formal discourse.

2

Sua contribuição para a ciência está acima de qualquer elogio.

Your contribution to science is beyond/above any praise.

Elevated register for high tribute.

3

O autor situa a moralidade acima da estética nesta obra.

The author places morality above aesthetics in this work.

Literary analysis.

4

A inflação persistente acima da meta preocupa o Banco Central.

Persistent inflation above the target worries the Central Bank.

Formal economic reporting.

5

Ele possui uma inteligência acima da compreensão comum.

He possesses an intelligence above common understanding.

Describing exceptional qualities.

6

A decisão do juiz pautou-se acima de tudo na jurisprudência.

The judge's decision was based above all on case law.

Legal context with 'acima de tudo' as emphasis.

7

O cume da montanha permanecia acima das nuvens carregadas.

The mountain peak remained above the heavy clouds.

Descriptive literary style.

8

O valor da vida humana está acima de qualquer cálculo econômico.

The value of human life is above any economic calculation.

Ethical/Humanistic argument.

1

A transcendência do ser situa-se acima das contingências materiais.

The transcendence of being is situated above material contingencies.

Highly abstract philosophical register.

2

O decreto foi promulgado acima das objeções do conselho deliberativo.

The decree was promulgated over/above the objections of the deliberative council.

Formal administrative/legal language.

3

Sua visão estratégica está muito acima da de seus contemporâneos.

His strategic vision is far above that of his contemporaries.

Sophisticated comparison of intellectual capacity.

4

O poeta busca uma verdade que resida acima da linguagem cotidiana.

The poet seeks a truth that resides above everyday language.

Abstract literary/artistic theory.

5

A eficácia do novo fármaco revelou-se acima de qualquer dúvida estatística.

The efficacy of the new drug proved to be above any statistical doubt.

Scientific/Academic precision.

6

A nobreza de caráter dele coloca-o acima das picuinhas políticas.

His nobility of character places him above political bickering.

Nuanced description of social standing/character.

7

O fenômeno observado está acima das explicações teóricas atuais.

The observed phenomenon is above/beyond current theoretical explanations.

Epistemological context.

8

A paz deve ser preservada acima de todos os outros imperativos.

Peace must be preserved above all other imperatives.

Formal ethical/political priority.

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