por cima de en 30 secondes
- "Por cima de" means 'above' or 'on top of', often implying direct contact.
- Used to describe spatial positions and arrangements.
- Common contractions: 'por cima do' (masculine), 'por cima da' (feminine).
- Essential for everyday Portuguese conversations.
The Portuguese prepositional phrase "por cima de" is a fundamental building block for describing spatial relationships. Its core meaning translates to "above" or "over" in English. However, unlike the simpler "acima de," "por cima de" often implies a more direct positional relationship, sometimes suggesting that one thing is directly on top of another, or at least in very close proximity vertically. It's a versatile phrase used in everyday conversation to indicate position, placement, and even sometimes to describe movement or a covering action.
- Literal Translation
- Literally, it breaks down to 'by top of'. This helps to visualize the concept of being positioned directly on the upper surface.
- Contextual Nuance
- While "acima de" can mean 'higher than' in a more general sense, "por cima de" often suggests a more immediate and often touching contact from above. Think of a book placed directly on a table, or clouds hanging right over a mountain peak.
O livro está por cima de da mesa.
This phrase is extremely common in everyday Portuguese. You'll hear it when people are describing where objects are, how things are arranged, or even when giving directions. For instance, if you're looking for something in a room, someone might say it's "por cima de" another item. It's also used in more abstract ways, but the fundamental concept of vertical positioning remains.
- Everyday Scenarios
- Imagine you are in a kitchen. The salt shaker is on top of the sugar container: "O saleiro está por cima do açucareiro." A bird might be flying directly over your house: "O pássaro está voando por cima da casa." In a more abstract sense, it can also imply something is being done 'over' something else, like a decision made 'over' a previous one, though this is less common at the A2 level.
As nuvens estão por cima de as montanhas.
- Building Blocks
- Understanding "por cima de" is crucial for comprehending and constructing sentences related to location and arrangement in Portuguese. It's a common prepositional phrase that you will encounter frequently as you progress in your language learning journey.
Using "por cima de" correctly involves understanding its grammatical function as a prepositional phrase that requires an object. It typically connects a noun or pronoun to another noun or pronoun, establishing a spatial relationship. The phrase itself doesn't change form based on gender or number; it's the articles and nouns that follow that will inflect.
- Basic Structure
- The most common structure is: [Subject] + [Verb] + por cima de + [Object]. The object is what is being positioned above.
O gato está por cima de o sofá.
- Using Articles Correctly
- Remember the contractions: "de" + "o" = "do" and "de" + "a" = "da". This is crucial for natural-sounding Portuguese.
A lâmpada está por cima da mesa.
- Placement with Verbs
- The phrase can follow various verbs that describe state or action. Common verbs include "estar" (to be), "colocar" (to place), "pôr" (to put), "deitar" (to lie down), and "pendurar" (to hang).
Ele colocou o chapéu por cima do armário.
- Describing Coverings
- It can also imply something is covering the object below. For example, a blanket over a bed.
A coberta está por cima da cama.
- Pronoun Usage
- If the object is a pronoun, it usually follows the prepositional phrase, or a prepositional pronoun might be used, though for A2 learners, sticking to noun objects is more common.
A chave está por cima de ele.
You will encounter "por cima de" constantly in authentic Portuguese communication. It's a phrase deeply embedded in the everyday language spoken by native speakers, making it essential for understanding and participating in conversations.
- Daily Conversations
- In casual chats, people use it to describe the arrangement of items in their homes, offices, or surroundings. For example, someone might ask, "Onde está o meu telemóvel?" (Where is my mobile phone?), and the answer could be, "Está por cima da televisão." This is a very common scenario.
O quadro está por cima de a porta.
- Directions and Navigation
- When giving or receiving directions, "por cima de" is frequently used. If you're driving, someone might say, "Siga em frente até a ponte e depois vire por cima do rio." (Go straight until the bridge and then turn over the river.) This helps visualize the path.
O sinal de trânsito está por cima da estrada.
- Describing Actions
- It's used to describe actions involving placing something on top of something else. For example, "Ele pôs um cobertor por cima da cama." (He put a blanket over the bed.)
- Media and Entertainment
- You'll hear "por cima de" in movies, TV shows, and songs, often in dialogue describing scenes or actions. It's a natural part of storytelling and character interaction.
A sombra está por cima de nós.
While "por cima de" is a common phrase, learners sometimes make mistakes that can lead to misunderstandings or sound unnatural to native speakers. Being aware of these potential pitfalls can help you avoid them and improve your fluency.
- Confusing with "Acima de"
- The most frequent error is using "por cima de" when "acima de" would be more appropriate, or vice-versa. "Acima de" generally indicates a higher position without necessarily implying direct contact, whereas "por cima de" often suggests direct contact or being directly on top. For example, saying "O avião está por cima de nós" is less common than "O avião está acima de nós" (unless the plane is very low and about to land on you!).
Incorrect: O telhado está por cima de a casa.
Correct: O telhado está por cima da casa. (Here, it's directly on top.)
Or, if referring to something higher up, 'acima de' might be used, but 'por cima de' is generally correct for the roof structure.
- Forgetting Contractions
- Failing to contract "de" with the following article ("o" or "a") is a common mistake for beginners. Saying "por cima de o" or "por cima de a" sounds very unnatural. Always use "por cima do" or "por cima da" respectively.
Incorrect: A chave está por cima de o armário.
Correct: A chave está por cima do armário.
- Misplacing the Prepositional Phrase
- Sometimes learners might place the phrase incorrectly in the sentence, disrupting the flow. It generally follows the verb that describes the state or action of the subject being positioned.
Incorrect: Por cima da mesa está o livro.
Correct: O livro está por cima da mesa.
- Overuse or Underuse
- Some learners might overuse "por cima de" in situations where a simpler preposition would suffice, or conversely, avoid it altogether, leading to less descriptive language. It's about finding the right balance and context.
While "por cima de" is a very common and useful phrase, Portuguese offers other prepositions and phrases that can be used to express similar spatial relationships. Understanding these alternatives will enrich your vocabulary and allow you to express nuances more precisely.
- Acima de
- This is the most direct alternative. "Acima de" means "above" or "higher than." The key difference is that "acima de" often implies a greater distance or less direct contact than "por cima de." For example, the clouds are "acima das" mountains, but a book is "por cima da" table. You might say the sky is "acima de" everything, but not "por cima de" everything in the same direct sense.
Por cima de: O gato está por cima do sofá. (Implies the cat is directly on the sofa.)
Acima de: O avião está acima do prédio. (Implies the plane is higher than the building, not necessarily directly over it.)
- Sobre
- "Sobre" can also mean "on," "over," or "about." When used for spatial relationships, it often overlaps with "por cima de" and "acima de." However, "sobre" can sometimes sound more formal or literary. It can also mean "about" when referring to topics. For direct physical placement, "por cima de" is often more common in everyday speech.
Por cima de: O quadro está por cima da porta. (Very common, direct placement.)
Sobre: O livro está sobre a mesa. (Also correct, perhaps slightly more formal or concise.)
- Em cima de
- This phrase is very similar to "por cima de" and is often used interchangeably in spoken Portuguese. It also means "on top of." Some might perceive "em cima de" as slightly more informal or colloquial than "por cima de," but the distinction is subtle and context-dependent.
Por cima de: A caixa está por cima do chão.
Em cima de: A caixa está em cima do chão. (Both are very common and essentially mean the same thing here.)
- Em
- In some contexts, the simple preposition "em" (in, on, at) can suffice, especially when the context makes the vertical positioning clear. However, "por cima de" provides more specificity.
Por cima de: Ele colocou o prato por cima da mesa.
Em: Ele colocou o prato na mesa. (Here, "na mesa" implies it's on the table, and the verticality is understood.)
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The word 'cima' itself, meaning 'top', has a direct cognate in English as 'summit'. Both words ultimately trace back to the same Indo-European root related to sharpness or a pointed end.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'c' in 'cima' as 'k'.
- Not linking 'de' smoothly with the following word.
- Pronouncing the 'r' in 'por' too strongly or too weakly depending on regional accent.
Niveau de difficulté
At the A2 CEFR level, 'por cima de' is encountered frequently in reading materials. Sentences are usually straightforward, describing concrete objects and their positions. Understanding the basic meaning is key, and context usually clarifies any ambiguity. Advanced texts might use it metaphorically, increasing difficulty.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Contraction of prepositions with articles: 'de' + 'o' = 'do', 'de' + 'a' = 'da'.
Por cima de o armário -> Por cima do armário. Por cima de a mesa -> Por cima da mesa.
Verb conjugation for position: 'estar' (to be) is commonly used.
O livro está por cima da mesa.
Verb conjugation for action: 'pôr' (to put) or 'colocar' (to place) are common.
Eu ponho o casaco por cima da cadeira.
Gender and number agreement of nouns and articles.
Por cima do sofá (masculine singular), por cima das cadeiras (feminine plural).
Use of prepositional phrases to indicate location.
'Por cima de' functions as a single unit to define a spatial relationship.
Exemples par niveau
O gato está por cima do sofá.
The cat is on top of the sofa.
Basic subject-verb-prepositional phrase structure. 'por cima do' = on top of the.
A bola está por cima da mesa.
The ball is on top of the table.
Demonstrates 'por cima da' with a feminine noun 'mesa'.
O livro está por cima do caderno.
The book is on top of the notebook.
Simple object placement.
O chapéu está por cima da cabeça.
The hat is on top of the head.
Relates to wearing something on the head.
A nuvem está por cima da casa.
The cloud is over the house.
Describes a common natural phenomenon.
O pássaro voa por cima do carro.
The bird flies over the car.
Action verb 'voa' (flies) with the prepositional phrase.
A lâmpada está por cima da secretária.
The lamp is on top of the desk.
Common household item placement.
A chave está por cima do armário.
The key is on top of the cupboard.
Simple object location.
O quadro está por cima da porta.
The picture is above the door.
Describes placement of decorative items.
Coloque o prato por cima da toalha.
Place the plate on top of the tablecloth.
Imperative verb 'Coloque' (Place) followed by the object and location.
A neve caiu por cima das montanhas.
Snow fell on top of the mountains.
Past tense verb 'caiu' (fell) indicating accumulation.
O telhado está por cima da casa.
The roof is over the house.
Describes a structural element.
Ele pôs um cobertor por cima da cama.
He put a blanket over the bed.
Verb 'pôs' (put) indicating action of covering.
As estrelas estão por cima de nós.
The stars are above us.
Describes a celestial position relative to people.
A sombra está por cima do carro.
The shadow is over the car.
Describes the effect of light.
O sinal de trânsito está por cima da estrada.
The traffic light is over the road.
Describes urban infrastructure.
O aeroporto fica por cima da colina.
The airport is located above the hill.
Use of 'fica' (is located) to describe position.
A estrada passa por cima do rio.
The road goes over the river.
Describes infrastructure connecting two points, implying elevation.
Ele suspendeu a rede por cima da piscina.
He hung the hammock over the pool.
Verb 'suspendeu' (hung) indicating placement in the air.
A fumaça subia por cima das árvores.
The smoke rose above the trees.
Describes upward movement and position relative to obstacles.
O guarda-chuva protege por cima da cabeça.
The umbrella protects over the head.
Describes function and protective covering.
A loja está por cima da padaria.
The shop is above the bakery.
Describes the vertical arrangement of businesses.
O mapa mostra a montanha por cima da cidade.
The map shows the mountain above the city.
Describing geographical representation.
A corrente de ar passou por cima do telhado.
The draft passed over the roof.
Describing airflow and its path.
A ponte arqueada estende-se por cima do vale.
The arched bridge extends over the valley.
More descriptive vocabulary ('arqueada', 'estende-se').
O vapor condensou-se por cima das janelas.
The steam condensed above the windows.
Describes a physical process and its location.
A cobertura de nuvens estava por cima da paisagem.
The cloud cover was over the landscape.
Describes extensive atmospheric conditions.
Ele projetou um novo sistema por cima do antigo.
He designed a new system over the old one.
Abstract usage: replacing or improving upon something.
A propaganda foi colocada por cima do anúncio original.
The advertisement was placed over the original ad.
Describes layering of information or media.
O nevoeiro pairava por cima do lago.
The fog hovered over the lake.
Descriptive verb 'pairava' (hovered) for atmospheric phenomena.
A nova política foi imposta por cima das leis existentes.
The new policy was imposed over the existing laws.
Abstract usage: superseding or overriding.
O artista pintou uma camada de verniz por cima da tinta.
The artist painted a layer of varnish over the paint.
Describes a step in an artistic process.
A administração decidiu impor restrições por cima das já existentes.
The administration decided to impose restrictions on top of the already existing ones.
Abstract usage: adding further restrictions.
O edifício histórico mantinha a sua fachada por cima da entrada moderna.
The historic building maintained its facade above the modern entrance.
Describing architectural integration and preservation.
O debate gerou uma camada de ceticismo por cima das esperanças iniciais.
The debate generated a layer of skepticism over the initial hopes.
Metaphorical usage: doubt overshadowing hope.
A diplomacia tentou construir pontes por cima das divisões políticas.
Diplomacy attempted to build bridges over the political divisions.
Metaphorical usage: overcoming differences.
O peso da responsabilidade pairava por cima das suas decisões.
The weight of responsibility hung over his decisions.
Metaphorical usage: the burden of responsibility influencing choices.
A censura velada pairava por cima da imprensa livre.
Veiled censorship hovered over the free press.
Metaphorical usage: subtle control impacting freedom of expression.
O arquiteto integrou elementos modernos por cima da estrutura gótica.
The architect integrated modern elements over the Gothic structure.
Describing complex architectural design.
A sua fama projetou-se por cima das críticas iniciais.
His fame projected itself over the initial criticisms.
Abstract usage: success overshadowing early criticism.
A hegemonia cultural da nação estendia-se por cima de todas as outras.
The nation's cultural hegemony extended over all others.
Abstract usage: dominance and influence.
O manto de neve cobria a paisagem por cima dos vales profundos.
The blanket of snow covered the landscape over the deep valleys.
Descriptive and evocative language.
A aura de mistério que envolvia o palácio pairava por cima de todos os visitantes.
The aura of mystery that surrounded the palace hung over all visitors.
Metaphorical usage: an intangible atmosphere affecting people.
A sabedoria acumulada ao longo dos séculos projetava-se por cima das teorias contemporâneas.
The wisdom accumulated over centuries projected itself over contemporary theories.
Abstract usage: historical knowledge influencing current thought.
As novas diretrizes foram impostas por cima de um sistema já sobrecarregado.
The new guidelines were imposed over an already overloaded system.
Abstract usage: adding burden to an existing system.
O véu da incerteza pairava por cima do futuro da empresa.
The veil of uncertainty hung over the company's future.
Metaphorical usage: uncertainty about the future.
A influência do seu mentor estendia-se por cima de todas as suas decisões de carreira.
His mentor's influence extended over all his career decisions.
Abstract usage: influence shaping decisions.
O legado do artista perdurou por cima das modas passageiras.
The artist's legacy endured over the passing fads.
Abstract usage: lasting impact versus temporary trends.
Synonymes
Antonymes
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
While both mean 'above', 'acima de' often implies a greater distance or simply being higher, whereas 'por cima de' usually suggests direct contact or being directly on top.
'Sobre' can mean 'on', 'over', or 'about'. In spatial contexts, it overlaps with 'por cima de' but can sometimes sound more formal or be used for topics.
This is a very common synonym, often used interchangeably with 'por cima de' in informal spoken Portuguese, meaning 'on top of'.
Expressions idiomatiques
— This idiom has multiple meanings. Literally, it means to go over something. Figuratively, it can mean to ignore or disregard something, like rules or feelings. For example, 'Ele passou por cima das minhas preocupações.'
Ele passou por cima de todos os obstáculos para alcançar o seu objetivo.
Neutral— To look over one's shoulder. This can be literal, checking who is behind you, or figurative, implying suspicion, fear, or paranoia.
Desde o assalto, ele anda a olhar por cima do ombro.
Neutral— A handspan above the head. Used to describe something very close to being hit or something that is precariously positioned.
O lustre estava perigosamente um palmo por cima da minha cabeça.
Informal— Above all; most importantly. Used to emphasize the priority of something.
O mais importante é a saúde, por cima de tudo.
Neutral— To throw or lay something over something else.
Deitou uma manta por cima do bebé para o aquecer.
Neutral— To speak over someone; to interrupt.
Ele tem o mau hábito de falar por cima dos outros.
Informal— To be in deep trouble; to be overwhelmed. Literally, 'with the water over the ears'.
Depois de perder o emprego, estava com a água por cima das orelhas.
Informal— To give over; to hand over; to yield. Can also mean to attack or pounce.
Ele acabou por dar por cima do problema.
Neutral— To paint over something. Can be literal or figurative, like covering up a mistake.
Ele decidiu pintar por cima do erro no muro.
NeutralFacile à confondre
Both phrases indicate a superior vertical position.
'Por cima de' typically implies direct contact or being directly on the surface, like a book on a table. 'Acima de' is more general and can mean simply 'higher than', without necessarily touching, like a plane flying 'acima de' the clouds.
O quadro está por cima da lareira (directly on top). O avião está acima da cidade (higher than).
Both can translate to 'on' or 'over'.
'Por cima de' is generally more common in everyday spoken Portuguese for direct physical placement. 'Sobre' can be more formal and also means 'about'. For example, 'O livro está sobre a mesa' is correct but 'por cima da mesa' is very common. However, 'um livro sobre a história de Portugal' means 'a book about the history of Portugal'.
A toalha está por cima da mesa (direct placement). Falamos sobre o projeto (we talk about the project).
Very similar meaning and usage.
'Em cima de' is often considered slightly more informal or colloquial than 'por cima de', but they are frequently used interchangeably in spoken language to mean 'on top of'. The choice often depends on personal preference or regional dialect.
O gato está por cima do telhado. / O gato está em cima do telhado.
Can also indicate being on a surface.
The preposition 'em' (contracted to 'no' or 'na') means 'in' or 'on'. When used with flat surfaces like tables or floors, it implies being on top, making 'por cima de' unnecessary if the context is clear. 'O copo está na mesa' implies it's on the table, whereas 'O copo está por cima da mesa' emphasizes it's directly on top.
O quadro está na parede (on the wall). O quadro está por cima da parede (less common, implies it's somehow on the wall's surface, not just hanging).
It's a direct spatial opposite.
'Por cima de' means 'above' or 'on top of'. Its direct antonym is 'debaixo de' (underneath) or 'em baixo de' (below). They describe opposite ends of the vertical axis.
O livro está por cima da mesa. O gato está debaixo da mesa.
Structures de phrases
Subject + estar + por cima de + [masculine noun]
O gato está por cima do tapete.
Subject + estar + por cima de + [feminine noun]
A caneta está por cima da mesa.
Imperative Verb + object + por cima de + [masculine noun]
Coloca o livro por cima do caderno.
Imperative Verb + object + por cima de + [feminine noun]
Põe a chávena por cima da bancada.
Subject + pôr/colocar + object + por cima de + [masculine noun]
Ele pôs o chapéu por cima do guarda-roupa.
Subject + pôr/colocar + object + por cima de + [feminine noun]
Ela colocou a planta por cima da estante.
Subject + verbo de movimento + por cima de + [masculine noun]
O drone voou por cima do parque.
Subject + verbo de movimento + por cima de + [feminine noun]
A ponte passa por cima da autoestrada.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Very High
-
Using 'por cima de' when 'acima de' is more appropriate.
→
Use 'acima de' for general 'higher than' without direct contact.
For example, 'O avião está acima das nuvens' (The plane is above the clouds) is correct. 'O avião está por cima das nuvens' might imply it's directly on top, which is unlikely.
-
Forgetting contractions: 'por cima de o' or 'por cima de a'.
→
'Por cima do' and 'por cima da'.
Portuguese requires contractions. 'De' + 'o' becomes 'do', and 'de' + 'a' becomes 'da'. Always use these: 'O livro está por cima do armário', not 'por cima de o armário'.
-
Confusing 'por cima de' with 'em' (on/in).
→
Use 'por cima de' for emphasis on being directly on top or above.
While 'O livro está na mesa' (The book is on the table) is correct, 'O livro está por cima da mesa' emphasizes that it's specifically placed on top, perhaps with other things around it. 'Por cima de' adds a layer of specificity.
-
Using 'por cima de' for abstract concepts without understanding.
→
Focus on literal spatial meaning first.
While 'por cima de' can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'impor algo por cima de outra coisa'), it's best for A2 learners to stick to concrete physical placements to avoid confusion.
-
Using 'por cima de' when 'debaixo de' or 'em baixo de' is needed.
→
Use 'debaixo de' or 'em baixo de' for positions below.
'Por cima de' means above. If something is under something else, you need the opposite. For example, if a ball is under the table, it's 'debaixo da mesa', not 'por cima da mesa'.
Astuces
Smooth Connections
When pronouncing 'por cima de', focus on smoothly connecting 'de' with the following article ('do' or 'da'). Don't pause too much between them. Aim for a fluid sound like 'por-ci-ma-do' or 'por-ci-ma-da'.
Master Contractions
The contractions 'do' (de + o) and 'da' (de + a) are essential. Always use them when 'por cima de' is followed by a masculine or feminine singular noun respectively. Forgetting them will sound very unnatural.
Visualize and Describe
When learning, visualize the objects you're describing. Imagine a cat 'por cima do' sofa, or a lamp 'por cima da' desk. This visualization helps solidify the spatial relationship and correct usage.
Vs. Acima de
Remember that 'acima de' is for general 'above' (higher than, not necessarily touching), while 'por cima de' is more about direct placement 'on top of'. Think of a plane 'acima de' the city vs. a book 'por cima de' the table.
Everyday Use
This phrase is incredibly common in daily Portuguese. Use it whenever you need to describe something being placed on top of something else. Don't overthink it; its frequent use makes it feel natural quickly.
Mnemonic Aid
Use the 'porcupine sumo wrestler on a car' mnemonic. Picture a porcupine ('por') in a sumo outfit ('cima') on top of a car. This helps associate 'por cima de' with the 'on top of' meaning.
Test Yourself
Regularly try to describe the position of objects around you using 'por cima de'. For instance, 'A minha caneca está por cima do meu computador.' This active recall is crucial for retention.
Listen for Context
When listening to Portuguese, pay attention to how 'por cima de' is used. Does it involve direct contact? Is it a general higher position? Noticing these nuances in context will significantly improve your understanding.
Know Your Options
Be aware that 'em cima de' is a very common synonym, especially in informal speech. Understanding this will help you comprehend native speakers better and give you another option for expressing the same idea.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'porcupine' (sounds a bit like 'por') wearing a 'sumo' wrestler's outfit ('cima' sounds a bit like sumo) standing 'on top of' a tiny car. The porcupine is literally 'por cima de' the car.
Association visuelle
Picture a table ('mesa'). Place a book ('livro') directly on top of it. The book is 'por cima da mesa'. You can even draw a little arrow pointing from the book to the table's surface.
Word Web
Défi
Try to describe the position of five objects in your room using 'por cima de'. For example, 'O meu computador está por cima da secretária.' Then, try to describe where five things are in relation to each other using 'em baixo de' or 'acima de'.
Origine du mot
The phrase 'por cima de' originates from Old Portuguese. 'Por' comes from Latin 'per' (through, by) and 'cima' comes from Latin 'cyma', meaning 'shoot' or 'top of a plant'. The combination evolved to mean 'by way of the top' or 'on the top side'.
Sens originel : Literally, 'by the top'.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseContexte culturel
No specific sensitivities are associated with this phrase; it's purely descriptive of location.
In English, we have 'above', 'on top of', 'over'. 'On top of' often implies direct contact, similar to 'por cima de'. 'Above' can be more general. 'Over' can be similar but also implies movement or covering.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Describing objects in a room.
- por cima da mesa
- por cima do armário
- por cima da cama
Giving directions.
- por cima da ponte
- por cima da estrada
- por cima do rio
Talking about weather and nature.
- por cima das nuvens
- por cima da montanha
- por cima da casa
Describing actions of placing or putting.
- colocar por cima de
- pôr por cima de
- deitar por cima de
Talking about animals.
- por cima do sofá
- por cima do telhado
- por cima do carro
Amorces de conversation
"Onde está o meu telemóvel? Acho que o deixei por cima da secretária."
"Viste o que está por cima daquela prateleira? Parece interessante."
"O meu cão adora dormir por cima do cobertor, mesmo quando está calor."
"Acho que o quadro deveria ser pendurado um pouco mais por cima da porta."
"Lembras-te daquela vez que deixaste as chaves por cima do frigorífico?"
Sujets d'écriture
Descreva a sua sala de estar, mencionando a posição de pelo menos três objetos usando 'por cima de'.
Imagine que está a arrumar o seu quarto. Escreva uma lista de cinco coisas que precisa de colocar 'por cima de' outras superfícies.
Pense numa montanha ou num edifício alto. Descreva o que está 'por cima' dele.
Escreva uma pequena história sobre um animal que gosta de se sentar 'por cima' de algo. Onde é que ele gosta de estar?
Descreva uma situação em que teve de colocar algo 'por cima de' algo mais para o proteger ou organizar.
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Por cima de' usually implies direct contact or being directly on the surface of something. Think of a book placed squarely 'por cima da' table. 'Acima de', on the other hand, generally means 'above' in a broader sense, indicating a higher position without necessarily implying touch. For example, the clouds are 'acima das' mountains, but a picture frame might be hung 'por cima da' fireplace.
You use 'por cima do' when the noun following 'de' is masculine singular, and 'por cima da' when the noun is feminine singular. For example, 'por cima do sofá' (masculine 'sofá') and 'por cima da mesa' (feminine 'mesa').
Yes, 'em cima de' is very similar and often used interchangeably with 'por cima de', especially in informal spoken Portuguese. Both mean 'on top of'. The choice can sometimes depend on regional preference or personal habit, but for learners, mastering either one is a good start.
While primarily used for physical locations, 'por cima de' can sometimes be used metaphorically, especially in more advanced Portuguese. For example, 'Ele impôs a sua autoridade por cima de todos' (He imposed his authority over everyone). However, for A2 learners, it's best to focus on its literal spatial meaning.
Forgetting the contractions 'do' (de + o) and 'da' (de + a) when using 'por cima de' is a common mistake for beginners. Saying 'por cima de o' or 'por cima de a' sounds unnatural and incorrect to native speakers. Always remember to contract: 'por cima do' and 'por cima da'.
'Sobre' can sometimes substitute 'por cima de' when referring to physical placement, meaning 'on' or 'over'. However, 'sobre' also has other meanings (like 'about') and can sound more formal. In everyday conversation, 'por cima de' or 'em cima de' are generally more common for direct 'on top of' situations.
Try a visual mnemonic: imagine a 'porcupine' (sounds like 'por') wearing a 'sumo' wrestler's outfit ('cima' sounds like sumo) balancing precariously 'on top of' a tiny car. The porcupine is literally 'por cima de' the car.
Common verbs include 'estar' (to be), 'colocar' (to place), 'pôr' (to put), 'deixar' (to leave), 'pendurar' (to hang), and 'voar' (to fly).
'Por cima de' means 'on top of' or 'above'. 'No topo de' specifically means 'at the very top' or 'on the summit'. So, while related, 'no topo de' emphasizes the highest point, whereas 'por cima de' can be any position on the upper surface.
Yes, it can. You would use 'por cima de' followed by the plural article and noun. For example, 'As caixas estão por cima das prateleiras' (The boxes are on top of the shelves). The contraction 'de + as' becomes 'das'.
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Summary
"Por cima de" is a fundamental Portuguese prepositional phrase meaning 'above' or 'on top of,' frequently used to describe direct vertical positioning, often with contact. Remember to use the correct contractions: 'por cima do' for masculine nouns and 'por cima da' for feminine nouns. It's a phrase you'll hear and use constantly in everyday contexts.
- "Por cima de" means 'above' or 'on top of', often implying direct contact.
- Used to describe spatial positions and arrangements.
- Common contractions: 'por cima do' (masculine), 'por cima da' (feminine).
- Essential for everyday Portuguese conversations.
Smooth Connections
When pronouncing 'por cima de', focus on smoothly connecting 'de' with the following article ('do' or 'da'). Don't pause too much between them. Aim for a fluid sound like 'por-ci-ma-do' or 'por-ci-ma-da'.
Master Contractions
The contractions 'do' (de + o) and 'da' (de + a) are essential. Always use them when 'por cima de' is followed by a masculine or feminine singular noun respectively. Forgetting them will sound very unnatural.
Context is Key
While 'por cima de' often means 'on top of', pay attention to context. If someone says 'O pássaro está por cima da casa', it means 'above', not necessarily touching. If they say 'O livro está por cima da mesa', it means 'on top of'.
Visualize and Describe
When learning, visualize the objects you're describing. Imagine a cat 'por cima do' sofa, or a lamp 'por cima da' desk. This visualization helps solidify the spatial relationship and correct usage.
Exemple
O livro está na estante, por cima da mesa.
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