When something is too much or there are too many of something, we use demasiado/a in Spanish.
It's important to remember that demasiado/a changes its ending to match the noun it describes. Just like adjectives, it can be demasiado (masculine singular), demasiada (feminine singular), demasiados (masculine plural), or demasiadas (feminine plural).
For example, you would say demasiado dinero (too much money) because dinero is masculine and singular. But you would say demasiadas preguntas (too many questions) because preguntas is feminine and plural.
Think of it like saying "too many large apples." "Many" and "large" both change to match "apples."
When using "demasiado" as a determiner, it needs to agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. So, if the noun is feminine and plural, like "demasiadas personas" (too many people), you use "demasiadas." If the noun is masculine and singular, such as "demasiado ruido" (too much noise), you use "demasiado." This agreement is crucial for correct usage.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
Alright, let's talk about demasiado/a. This little word is super useful in Spanish because it means "too much" or "too many." It's all about indicating an excess of something. Think of it like when you have more of something than you need or want. It's a common word, so you'll hear and use it a lot, even at an A2 level.
The most important thing to remember about demasiado/a is that it changes its ending to match the noun it's describing. This is called agreement. If the noun is masculine and singular, you use demasiado. If it's feminine and singular, you use demasiada. If it's masculine and plural, it's demasiados. And if it's feminine and plural, you guessed it, demasiadas.
Hay demasiado ruido aquí. (There is too much noise here.)
Ella tiene demasiada energía. (She has too much energy.)
Compré demasiados libros. (I bought too many books.)
Hay demasiadas personas en la fila. (There are too many people in the line.)
Notice how in the examples, demasiado/a directly precedes the noun it's modifying. This is generally how it works when it acts as a determiner, telling you "how much" or "how many" of something there is, in an excessive way.
You'll find yourself using demasiado/a in all sorts of situations. From complaining about too much homework to expressing delight (or dismay) at too many gifts. It's a versatile word that conveys a very clear message of "more than enough" or "an undesirable amount."
- DEFINITION
- too much; too many
Let's look at a few more examples to really get this drilled in:
No puedo dormir, hay demasiada luz. (I can't sleep, there is too much light.)
Gastamos demasiado dinero en vacaciones. (We spent too much money on vacation.)
Hay demasiados carros en la calle. (There are too many cars on the street.)
So, when you want to express the idea of "too much" or "too many" in Spanish, demasiado/a is your go-to word. Just make sure it agrees with the noun, and you're all set! It's an essential building block for expressing quantities and opinions in everyday conversation.
§ How to use "demasiado/a" in a sentence
The Spanish word "demasiado/a" is a very useful word to express excess. It can function as a determiner (like 'too much' or 'too many') or as an adverb (like 'too'). Let's break down how to use it correctly.
§ "Demasiado/a" as a Determiner (too much/too many)
When "demasiado/a" functions as a determiner, it means "too much" or "too many." In this case, it must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun it modifies. This is crucial for correct usage.
- Agreement with Nouns
- Use "demasiado" for masculine singular nouns.
- Use "demasiada" for feminine singular nouns.
- Use "demasiados" for masculine plural nouns.
- Use "demasiadas" for feminine plural nouns.
Let's look at some examples to make this clear.
Hay demasiado ruido aquí.
Translation hint: There is too much noise here. (Noise is masculine singular: "el ruido")
Ella tiene demasiada paciencia.
Translation hint: She has too much patience. (Patience is feminine singular: "la paciencia")
Compramos demasiados libros.
Translation hint: We bought too many books. (Books is masculine plural: "los libros")
Había demasiadas personas en la fiesta.
Translation hint: There were too many people at the party. (People is feminine plural: "las personas")
§ "Demasiado" as an Adverb (too)
When "demasiado" acts as an adverb, it means "too" or "excessively." In this case, it is invariable, meaning it does not change its form based on gender or number. It always remains "demasiado." It typically modifies adjectives, adverbs, or verbs.
- Modifying Adjectives
- When modifying an adjective, "demasiado" comes before the adjective.
Este café está demasiado caliente.
Translation hint: This coffee is too hot. (Hot is an adjective: "caliente")
Ella es demasiado amable.
Translation hint: She is too kind. (Kind is an adjective: "amable")
- Modifying Adverbs
- Similarly, when modifying another adverb, "demasiado" comes before it.
Hablas demasiado rápido.
Translation hint: You speak too fast. (Fast is an adverb: "rápido")
Llegaron demasiado tarde.
Translation hint: They arrived too late. (Late is an adverb: "tarde")
- Modifying Verbs
- When modifying a verb, "demasiado" usually comes after the verb.
Trabajamos demasiado.
Translation hint: We work too much. (Work is a verb: "trabajar")
Ella come demasiado.
Translation hint: She eats too much. (Eat is a verb: "comer")
§ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't confuse "demasiado/a" with "mucho/a." While both mean "a lot," "demasiado/a" specifically implies an excess, or more than desired/needed.
- Always ensure agreement when "demasiado/a" acts as a determiner before a noun. This is where most learners make mistakes.
Practice these rules, and you'll be using "demasiado/a" like a pro in no time!
Often Confused With
When 'demasiado' is used as an adverb, it means 'too' (e.g., 'demasiado rápido' - too fast). As a determiner, it means 'too much/many' and agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
This is the superlative of 'mucho', meaning 'a whole lot' or 'very much'. While it expresses a very large quantity, it doesn't carry the negative connotation of excess that 'demasiado/a' does.
'Suficiente' means 'enough'. This is the opposite concept of 'demasiado/a', as 'suficiente' indicates the right amount, while 'demasiado/a' indicates an excessive amount.
Easily Confused
'Mucho/a' translates to 'a lot of' or 'many', which can seem similar to 'too much' or 'too many'.
'Mucho/a' is a quantity that is simply large, while 'demasiado/a' implies an excessive and often negative quantity.
Tengo *mucho* dinero. (I have *a lot of* money.) vs. Tengo *demasiado* dinero y no sé qué hacer. (I have *too much* money and I don't know what to do.)
'Muy' means 'very', which is an intensifier, similar to 'too' in English when used with an adjective or adverb.
'Muy' simply intensifies, making something 'very' good or 'very' bad. 'Demasiado' indicates an excess that is problematic or undesirable.
El café está *muy* caliente. (The coffee is *very* hot.) vs. El café está *demasiado* caliente para beber. (The coffee is *too hot* to drink.)
'Tanto/a' means 'so much' or 'so many', which expresses a large quantity, similar to 'demasiado/a'.
While both express a large quantity, 'tanto/a' often emphasizes the degree or extent of something, sometimes in a comparative sense. 'Demasiado/a' specifically implies an undesirable excess.
¡No puedo creer que tengas *tanta* paciencia! (I can't believe you have *so much* patience!) vs. Tienes *demasiada* paciencia para mi gusto. (You have *too much* patience for my liking.)
'Excesivo/a' directly translates to 'excessive', sharing the core meaning of 'demasiado/a'.
'Excesivo/a' is an adjective, describing something as excessive. 'Demasiado/a' functions as a determiner or adverb, indicating 'too much' or 'too many'. They are closely related in meaning but differ in grammatical function.
El ruido es *excesivo*. (The noise is *excessive*.) vs. Hay *demasiado* ruido. (There is *too much* noise.)
'Bastante' can mean 'quite a lot' or 'enough', which can sometimes be confused with an abundance that borders on 'too much'.
'Bastante' suggests sufficiency or a considerable amount without necessarily being excessive. 'Demasiado/a' explicitly states an undesirable surplus.
Tengo *bastante* trabajo. (I have *quite a lot of* work / *enough* work.) vs. Tengo *demasiado* trabajo y no puedo terminarlo. (I have *too much* work and I can't finish it.)
Tips
Gender and Number Match
Remember that demasiado/a acts like an adjective, so it needs to match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it modifies. For example, 'too much food' is demasiada comida (feminine singular), and 'too many books' is demasiados libros (masculine plural).
Position Before the Noun
When demasiado/a modifies a noun, it almost always comes before the noun. For instance, 'too much noise' is demasiado ruido, not ruido demasiado.
Demasiado as an Adverb
When demasiado (without the -a ending) modifies a verb or an adjective, it means 'too' or 'too much' and is invariable (it doesn't change for gender or number). For example, 'too fast' is demasiado rápido, and 'he eats too much' is come demasiado.
Common Phrases with Demasiado
You'll often hear phrases like 'es demasiado caro' (it's too expensive) or 'hay demasiado ruido' (there's too much noise). Pay attention to these common uses to get a feel for the word.
Don't Confuse with 'Muy'
While both can express intensity, muy means 'very' (neutral or positive intensity), and demasiado/a means 'too much/many' (often implying a negative or excessive amount). You wouldn't say 'muy problemas' for 'too many problems'; it's 'demasiados problemas'.
Practice with Quantities
Think of things you have 'too much' or 'too many' of in your daily life. For example, 'Tengo demasiada ropa' (I have too much clothes) or 'Hay demasiada gente aquí' (There are too many people here).
Listen for Context
When you hear demasiado/a, try to understand the speaker's tone. It often conveys a sense of complaint, difficulty, or an undesirable excess.
Examples in Sentences
Try creating simple sentences: 'No tengo demasiado tiempo.' (I don't have too much time.) 'Compraste demasiados dulces.' (You bought too many sweets.)
Demasiado + Que
Sometimes you'll see demasiado followed by que to express a consequence, similar to 'too... to...'. For example, 'Es demasiado tarde para que vayamos.' (It's too late for us to go.)
Flashcard Practice
Make flashcards with nouns and practice saying 'demasiado/a + noun' correctly, focusing on the gender and number agreement.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Eating and Drinking
- Hay demasiada sal en la sopa. (There's too much salt in the soup.)
- ¡Comí demasiada paella! (I ate too much paella!)
- No tomes demasiada cerveza. (Don't drink too much beer.)
Shopping
- Esta camisa es demasiado cara. (This shirt is too expensive.)
- Hay demasiada gente en la tienda. (There are too many people in the store.)
- Compré demasiados recuerdos. (I bought too many souvenirs.)
Describing situations
- Hay demasiado ruido aquí. (There's too much noise here.)
- La tarea es demasiado difícil. (The homework is too difficult.)
- Tengo demasiadas cosas que hacer. (I have too many things to do.)
Talking about feelings
- Estoy demasiado cansado para salir. (I'm too tired to go out.)
- Ella se preocupa demasiado. (She worries too much.)
- Siento demasiada presión. (I feel too much pressure.)
Using with verbs
- Hablas demasiado rápido. (You speak too fast.)
- Él trabaja demasiado. (He works too much.)
- Ella duerme demasiado. (She sleeps too much.)
Conversation Starters
"¿Crees que la gente hoy en día usa demasiado el teléfono?"
"¿Cuál es una cosa que nunca tienes 'demasiado' de?"
"¿Qué opinas de la comida rápida? ¿Crees que la gente come demasiada?"
"¿Alguna vez te has comprado 'demasiados' libros o ropa?"
"¿Crees que es posible tener 'demasiados' amigos?"
Journal Prompts
Escribe sobre una situación en la que sentiste que había 'demasiada' presión.
Describe una vez que comiste 'demasiado' de algo delicioso. ¿Qué era?
Piensa en algo que te preocupa 'demasiado'. ¿Por qué?
Imagina que tienes 'demasiado' tiempo libre. ¿Qué harías con él?
Escribe sobre una vez que viste 'demasiada' gente en un lugar.
Test Yourself 54 questions
Listen for 'too much salt'.
Listen for 'too many sweets'.
Listen for 'too many questions'.
Read this aloud:
Hay demasiado ruido aquí.
Focus: demasiado
You said:
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Read this aloud:
No quiero demasiada azúcar en mi café.
Focus: demasiada
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Tenemos demasiados libros.
Focus: demasiados
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a restaurant. Write a sentence complaining about having too much food on your plate, using 'demasiada'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hay demasiada comida en mi plato.
Write a sentence saying that there are too many people at the party, using 'demasiadas'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hay demasiadas personas en la fiesta.
Your friend asks if you want more coffee. Write a sentence declining because you've already had too much coffee, using 'demasiado'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
No, gracias. Ya he tomado demasiado café.
¿Por qué decidió María ir a casa?
Read this passage:
María fue al mercado. Quería comprar algunas frutas, pero vio que había demasiada gente. No le gusta cuando hay demasiadas personas, así que decidió ir a casa y volver otro día.
¿Por qué decidió María ir a casa?
El pasaje indica claramente que 'había demasiada gente' y 'No le gusta cuando hay demasiadas personas'.
El pasaje indica claramente que 'había demasiada gente' y 'No le gusta cuando hay demasiadas personas'.
¿Qué problema tiene el hermano?
Read this passage:
Mi hermano compró demasiados libros. Su estantería está llena y ahora no sabe dónde poner los nuevos. Creo que tiene un problema con las compras.
¿Qué problema tiene el hermano?
La primera oración dice 'Mi hermano compró demasiados libros'.
La primera oración dice 'Mi hermano compró demasiados libros'.
¿Qué tiempo hace hoy?
Read this passage:
El clima de hoy es horrible. Hace demasiado frío para salir y hay demasiada lluvia. Preferiría quedarme en casa y ver una película.
¿Qué tiempo hace hoy?
El texto dice 'Hace demasiado frío para salir y hay demasiada lluvia'.
El texto dice 'Hace demasiado frío para salir y hay demasiada lluvia'.
Choose the correct sentence: There is too much noise in this restaurant.
'Ruido' (noise) is a masculine singular noun, so it needs 'demasiado'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'demasiado/a' to mean 'too many'?
'Manzanas' (apples) is a feminine plural noun, so it requires 'demasiadas'.
How would you say: 'She eats too much chocolate.'?
'Chocolate' is a masculine singular noun, so 'demasiado' is correct.
The sentence 'Hay demasiados libros en la mesa' means 'There are too many books on the table.'
'Libros' (books) is masculine plural, so 'demasiados' is correct.
In the sentence 'Tengo demasiada hambre', 'demasiada' agrees in gender and number with 'hambre'.
'Hambre' (hunger) is a feminine singular noun, so 'demasiada' is correct.
The phrase 'Trabajo demasiado' means 'I work too many'.
When 'demasiado' acts as an adverb, it doesn't change form. 'Trabajo demasiado' means 'I work too much'.
Listen for 'too much' or 'too many'.
Pay attention to the quantity.
The speaker is giving advice about eating.
Read this aloud:
Me preocupan los demasiados coches en el centro de la ciudad.
Focus: demasiados
You said:
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Read this aloud:
¿Crees que hay demasiada sal en esta sopa?
Focus: demasiada
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
He bebido demasiada agua hoy.
Focus: demasiada
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Which sentence correctly uses 'demasiado' to express an excessive amount of something countable?
The word 'libros' is a countable noun, and 'demasiados' correctly modifies it to mean 'too many.' 'Gente' is singular but refers to multiple people, so 'demasiada' is correct. 'Arroz' is uncountable, so 'demasiado' (masculine singular) is correct. 'Caliente' is an adjective, so 'demasiado' (invariable adverb) is correct.
Choose the sentence where 'demasiada' is used as an adverb modifying an adjective.
In this sentence, 'demasiada' modifies the adjective 'salada,' indicating an excessive degree of saltiness. It should be 'demasiado salada' (invariable adverb). The other options use 'demasiada' as a determiner with a noun.
Which of these sentences uses 'demasiado' incorrectly?
When 'demasiado' functions as a determiner before a noun (or implied noun like 'nosotros' as in 'somos demasiadas personas'), it should agree in gender and number. However, when 'demasiado' modifies an adjective or an adverb, it remains in its masculine singular form 'demasiado' (e.g., 'demasiado rápido'). Here, 'somos demasiados' implies 'demasiadas personas' and should be 'somos demasiadas' or 'somos demasiada gente'. When used with the verb 'ser', it's usually 'demasiados' or 'demasiadas' agreeing with the subject.
The sentence 'Hubo demasiada lluvia este mes' correctly uses 'demasiada' to refer to an uncountable noun.
'Lluvia' (rain) is an uncountable noun, and 'demasiada' (feminine singular) correctly agrees with it, meaning 'too much rain.'
In the phrase 'Es demasiado difícil,' 'demasiado' functions as a determiner.
In 'Es demasiado difícil,' 'demasiado' functions as an adverb modifying the adjective 'difícil.' Adverbs are invariable, so it remains 'demasiado' regardless of the gender or number of the noun it might implicitly refer to.
You can use 'demasiado' to mean 'too much' with a verb, as in 'Ella habla demasiado.'
Yes, 'demasiado' can function as an adverb to modify a verb, indicating an excessive action. In this case, 'demasiado' is invariable.
The speaker is commenting on the number of people at the beach.
The speaker is giving advice about coffee consumption.
The speaker is explaining why someone has a stomach ache.
Read this aloud:
Hay demasiadas distracciones en mi oficina, no puedo concentrarme.
Focus: demasiadas
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
La sopa tiene demasiada sal para mi gusto.
Focus: demasiada
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Pienso que gastas demasiado dinero en ropa.
Focus: demasiado
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
'Hay' means 'there are'. 'Demasiadas' (too many) agrees with the feminine plural noun 'reglas' (rules). 'En este juego' means 'in this game'.
'El café' (the coffee) is the subject. 'Tiene' (has). 'Demasiada' (too much) agrees with the feminine singular noun 'azúcar' (sugar). 'Para mí' means 'for me'.
'No puedo comer más' means 'I can't eat more'. 'Hay' means 'there is'. 'Demasiada' (too much) agrees with the feminine singular noun 'comida' (food).
The problem is that there is too much bureaucracy in the government.
I think you've eaten too many cookies; your stomach will hurt.
You shouldn't trust people you just met too much.
Read this aloud:
Hay demasiada gente en la calle hoy.
Focus: demasiada, gente
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
No tengo demasiado tiempo para terminar el proyecto.
Focus: demasiado, tiempo
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Ella tiene demasiadas responsabilidades en su trabajo.
Focus: demasiadas, responsabilidades
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The main problem is that too much authority has been given to a single entity, leading to an undeniable power imbalance and the suppression of dissent.
Current political rhetoric is often characterized by too much polarization, hindering consensus and collaboration on issues crucial to societal well-being.
Despite the warning, the young investor took too many risks with his capital, resulting in a substantial loss that compromised his long-term financial stability.
Read this aloud:
La empresa ha invertido demasiado capital en proyectos de alto riesgo sin un análisis de viabilidad adecuado, lo que podría llevar a serias repercusiones financieras.
Focus: demasiado capital, repercusiones financieras
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Considero que se le ha dado demasiada importancia a los aspectos superficiales del debate, descuidando las implicaciones éticas y morales subyacentes.
Focus: demasiada importancia, implicaciones éticas
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
A menudo, la juventud se enfrenta a demasiadas expectativas por parte de la sociedad, lo que puede generar una presión innecesaria y un alto nivel de estrés.
Focus: demasiadas expectativas, presión innecesaria
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Gender and Number Match
Remember that demasiado/a acts like an adjective, so it needs to match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it modifies. For example, 'too much food' is demasiada comida (feminine singular), and 'too many books' is demasiados libros (masculine plural).
Position Before the Noun
When demasiado/a modifies a noun, it almost always comes before the noun. For instance, 'too much noise' is demasiado ruido, not ruido demasiado.
Demasiado as an Adverb
When demasiado (without the -a ending) modifies a verb or an adjective, it means 'too' or 'too much' and is invariable (it doesn't change for gender or number). For example, 'too fast' is demasiado rápido, and 'he eats too much' is come demasiado.
Common Phrases with Demasiado
You'll often hear phrases like 'es demasiado caro' (it's too expensive) or 'hay demasiado ruido' (there's too much noise). Pay attention to these common uses to get a feel for the word.
Related Content
More general words
a causa de
A2For the reason of; owing to.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2Maybe; perhaps.
a menos que
B1Unless.
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.
