Basta por agora
That's enough for now; that's all for the moment.
Literally: Enough for now
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to set boundaries or stop an activity temporarily.
- Works for food, work, conversations, and personal breaks.
- Signals you are satisfied but might return to it later.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to way to say 'that's enough for now' or 'that's all for the moment.' Use it when you want to stop an activity or a conversation without ending it forever.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a dinner party when offered more dessert
Obrigado, mas basta por agora.
Thank you, but that's enough for now.
Ending a long study session with a classmate
Estudámos muito, acho que basta por agora.
We studied a lot, I think that's enough for now.
In a professional meeting moving to the next agenda item
Sobre este tema, basta por agora. Vamos avançar.
Regarding this topic, that's enough for now. Let's move on.
Cultural Background
In Portuguese cafes, 'Basta' is often used with a specific hand gesture (palm down, slight wave) to tell the waiter to stop pouring wine or water. It's considered efficient rather than rude. Brazilians often soften 'Basta' by adding 'pra mim' (for me) or using 'Tá bom' instead. 'Basta por agora' sounds slightly more formal or 'European' to some Brazilian ears. In Luanda's informal markets (candongas), 'basta' is used to negotiate quantities. It signals the end of a transaction once the desired amount is reached. In formal Mozambican Portuguese, especially in administrative contexts, 'basta' is used to indicate that enough evidence or documentation has been provided.
The Hand Gesture
Pair the phrase with a flat palm facing the other person at waist height. This makes it 100% more natural.
Watch the Volume
If you say it too loudly, it sounds like a command. Keep your voice low and steady for the 'neutral' effect.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to set boundaries or stop an activity temporarily.
- Works for food, work, conversations, and personal breaks.
- Signals you are satisfied but might return to it later.
What It Means
Think of Basta por agora as a gentle pause button. It tells people you have reached a limit. It is not a permanent goodbye. It just means you are finished with a specific task or topic. It feels lighter than saying 'stop.' It suggests you might come back to it later.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence. Or, you can tuck it at the end of a thought. It works perfectly when someone is offering you food. It also works when you are wrapping up a long study session. You do not need to change the words for gender or number. It stays exactly the same every time.
When To Use It
Use it at a restaurant when the waiter offers more wine. Use it during a meeting to move to the next topic. It is great for texting a friend when you are tired of gossiping. If you are cleaning your house and need a break, say it to yourself. It marks a clear boundary in a polite way.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are truly angry. In a heated fight, it might sound too dismissive or cold. Avoid it in very formal ceremonies, like a wedding toast. It is a bit too functional for poetic moments. Also, do not use it if you want something to stop forever. For that, just use Chega or Para.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values hospitality, which often means people will keep offering you things. They will offer more food, more coffee, or more help. Basta por agora is the polite 'shield' against this kindness. It acknowledges the offer but sets a firm limit. It shows you are satisfied rather than ungrateful. It is a very common phrase in both Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro.
Common Variations
You might hear Por agora é tudo, which means 'that is all for now.' Another common one is Já chega por hoje, meaning 'that is enough for today.' If you want to be even shorter, just say Por agora, chega. All of these carry the same 'pause' energy. They help you navigate social situations without sounding rude.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the 'neutral' sweet spot. It is safe for almost any situation where you need to signal a temporary stop. Just keep your intonation light to avoid sounding like a strict teacher.
The Hand Gesture
Pair the phrase with a flat palm facing the other person at waist height. This makes it 100% more natural.
Watch the Volume
If you say it too loudly, it sounds like a command. Keep your voice low and steady for the 'neutral' effect.
The Brazilian 'Valeu'
In Brazil, always follow 'Basta por agora' with 'valeu' or 'obrigado' to maintain the friendly 'jeitinho'.
Examples
6Obrigado, mas basta por agora.
Thank you, but that's enough for now.
A polite way to decline more food without being rude.
Estudámos muito, acho que basta por agora.
We studied a lot, I think that's enough for now.
Suggests taking a break because you are tired.
Sobre este tema, basta por agora. Vamos avançar.
Regarding this topic, that's enough for now. Let's move on.
Used to manage time and transition between subjects.
Tenho de ir, basta por agora! Falamos amanhã.
I have to go, enough for now! We'll talk tomorrow.
A quick way to wrap up a digital conversation.
Já brincámos muito, basta por agora.
We've played a lot, that's enough for now.
A gentle way to set a limit on playtime.
Eu percebo, mas basta por agora de tristezas.
I understand, but enough of sad things for now.
A kind way to shift the mood to something lighter.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to complete the polite refusal.
Obrigado pelo café, mas ________ por agora.
The impersonal verb form 'basta' is the correct choice for this expression.
Which situation is most appropriate for 'Basta por agora'?
You are in a meeting and want to suggest a break.
It is a polite way to suggest a temporary stop in a professional setting.
Complete the dialogue between two friends studying.
Amigo A: 'Já estudámos três capítulos. Queres continuar?' Amigo B: 'Não, ________. Vamos tomar um gelado?'
'Basta por agora' fits the context of stopping a task to do something else.
Match the phrase variation to the correct region.
Match 'Chega por hoje' with its most common usage region.
'Chega por hoje' is a very common Brazilian variation for ending a day's work.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesObrigado pelo café, mas ________ por agora.
The impersonal verb form 'basta' is the correct choice for this expression.
You are in a meeting and want to suggest a break.
It is a polite way to suggest a temporary stop in a professional setting.
Amigo A: 'Já estudámos três capítulos. Queres continuar?' Amigo B: 'Não, ________. Vamos tomar um gelado?'
'Basta por agora' fits the context of stopping a task to do something else.
Match 'Chega por hoje' with its most common usage region.
'Chega por hoje' is a very common Brazilian variation for ending a day's work.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, as long as your tone is calm. It's a standard way to set a limit.
Yes, especially when finishing a task or meeting. It shows you are organized.
'Basta' is more about sufficiency, 'Chega' is more about reaching a limit or being tired of something.
Yes! That means 'Enough for today' and is very common at the end of a workday.
Just say 'Basta!' or 'Já chega!' with a sharp, loud tone.
Yes, it is understood and used in both, though Brazil has more local alternatives like 'Tá bom'.
Technically yes ('Dois litros bastam'), but in the fixed phrase 'Basta por agora', it stays singular.
It would sound very strange and temporary. Better to use 'Acabou'.
Yes, they are interchangeable in this phrase.
There isn't a direct opposite phrase, but you could say 'Quero mais' or 'Não é suficiente'.
Related Phrases
Chega
synonymEnough / Stop
Suficiente
similarSufficient
Por enquanto
builds onFor the time being
É o quanto baste
specialized formAs much as is needed
Já deu
synonymThat's it / I'm done
