C1 Expression Formal

De resto

Besides

Phrase in 30 Seconds

A sophisticated transition used to add information or dismiss minor issues while focusing on the broader context of a situation.

  • Means: 'Otherwise', 'moreover', or 'apart from that' depending on the context.
  • Used in: Formal writing, academic debates, and polite social critiques.
  • Don't confuse: With 'do resto', which is the literal 'of the rest'.
Specific detail + ➔ + General context = De resto

Explanation at your level:

At this level, you don't need to use 'de resto'. Just think of it as a way to say 'and' or 'but everything else'. It helps you add more information to a sentence. For example: 'The coffee is cold. De resto (otherwise), it is good.' It is too advanced for basic talking, but good to recognize.
You might see 'de resto' in simple stories or reviews. It means 'apart from that'. If you say one bad thing, you use 'de resto' to say the other things are okay. It is like saying 'besides that'. Don't worry about using it yet, but remember it links two ideas together.
As an intermediate learner, you can start using 'de resto' to improve your writing. It is a transition word. Use it when you want to say 'otherwise' or 'moreover'. It makes your sentences sound more connected. Instead of saying 'The car is old. But it works well,' you can say 'The car is old; de resto, it works well.'
At the B2 level, you should use 'de resto' to show nuance. It is perfect for writing reviews or giving feedback. It helps you separate a small problem from a generally good situation. It also works well in arguments to add a final point. It shows you can move beyond simple words like 'mas' or 'também' to more professional connectors.
For C1 learners, 'de resto' is an essential discourse marker for achieving native-like flow. It functions as a 'cohesive device' that manages the pragmatic weight of different parts of a sentence. You should use it to signal a shift from a specific concession to a general validation, or to introduce a supplementary argument that carries significant logical weight. It demonstrates mastery of register and rhetorical balance.
At the C2 level, 'de resto' is analyzed through the lens of cognitive linguistics as a marker of 'metadiscourse'. It allows the speaker to categorize information into 'foregrounded' exceptions and 'backgrounded' generalities. Mastery involves using it to subtly influence the listener's perception, ensuring that a minor negative point does not derail the overarching communicative intent. It is a tool for sophisticated stylistic variation and precise logical partitioning.

Meaning

In addition; moreover; apart from what has been said.

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Cultural Background

Em Portugal, 'de resto' é extremamente comum em debates televisivos e artigos de opinião para introduzir argumentos suplementares. No Brasil, a expressão é vista como mais formal. No dia a dia, os brasileiros preferem 'no mais' ou 'fora isso'. Em contextos formais angolanos, segue o padrão europeu, sendo usado para dar um tom de autoridade e clareza ao discurso. Frequentemente usado em contextos literários e jornalísticos moçambicanos para equilibrar críticas sociais.

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The Comma Rule

Always put a comma after 'De resto' when it starts a sentence. It signals to the reader that a transition is happening.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

In a single paragraph, don't use it more than once. It's a 'strong' connector that can feel repetitive.

Meaning

In addition; moreover; apart from what has been said.

🎯

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma after 'De resto' when it starts a sentence. It signals to the reader that a transition is happening.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

In a single paragraph, don't use it more than once. It's a 'strong' connector that can feel repetitive.

Test Yourself

Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta da expressão.

O jantar estava um pouco salgado; ________, a noite foi maravilhosa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: de resto

'De resto' é a locução adverbial correta para indicar 'tirando isso'.

Qual frase usa 'de resto' no sentido de 'além disso' (moreover)?

Escolha a opção correta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Na opção B, 'de resto' adiciona uma informação negativa extra, funcionando como 'moreover'.

Combine a situação com a frase mais natural.

Situação: Você está avaliando um funcionário que é bom, mas chega atrasado.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A

A estrutura correta é mencionar o ponto negativo primeiro e depois usar 'de resto' para o positivo geral.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions

Yes, it is generally considered neutral to formal. In casual Brazilian speech, 'no mais' is preferred.

Absolutely. It's one of the best ways to start a concluding sentence in an essay.

Related Phrases

🔄

Além disso

synonym

Besides that / Furthermore

🔗

No mais

similar

In the rest / Otherwise

🔗

Aliás

similar

In fact / By the way

🔗

Por outro lado

contrast

On the other hand

Where to Use It

🏨

Complaining about a hotel

Hóspede: O ar condicionado fazia barulho; de resto, a estadia foi ótima.

Rececionista: Pedimos desculpa pelo barulho, mas ficamos felizes por ter gostado do resto.

neutral
💼

Job Interview

Entrevistador: Você não tem experiência com este software específico.

Candidato: É verdade; de resto, domino todas as outras ferramentas da área.

formal
🎓

Academic Peer Review

Professor A: A bibliografia está um pouco desatualizada.

Professor B: Concordo; de resto, a tese é brilhante e muito original.

formal
📱

Dating App Chat

Pessoa A: Pena que você mora longe!

Pessoa B: Pois é; de resto, acho que temos tudo a ver.

informal
👥

Discussing a Colleague

Colega 1: O João chega sempre cinco minutos atrasado.

Colega 2: É o único defeito dele; de resto, é o melhor funcionário que temos.

neutral
🍕

Food Delivery Review

Cliente: A pizza chegou fria; de resto, o sabor estava excelente.

neutral

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'De resto' as 'The Rest-o'. After you mention one thing, 'the rest-o' the situation is different.

Visual Association

Imagine a large white circle representing a perfect situation. Now imagine one tiny black dot inside it. 'De resto' is you pointing at the white area while acknowledging the dot.

Rhyme

Um pequeno erro, de resto não erro.

Story

A chef serves a meal. The salt is missing. He says, 'The salt is gone; de resto, the feast is fit for a king!' He focuses on the remaining glory.

Word Web

RestarRestanteDemaisTodaviaContudoAliásAdemais

Challenge

Write a 3-sentence review of your favorite movie using 'de resto' to mention one thing you didn't like while praising the rest.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Por lo demás

Spanish uses 'por' while Portuguese uses 'de'.

French high

Du reste

French 'du reste' is slightly more formal than the Portuguese 'de resto'.

German moderate

Im Übrigen

German often uses 'ansonsten' for the 'otherwise' sense.

English moderate

Otherwise / Moreover

Portuguese uses one phrase for both 'otherwise' and 'moreover'.

Italian high

Del resto

Italian uses it very frequently to justify a previous statement.

Japanese partial

それはさておき (Sore wa sateoki)

Japanese is more about changing the subject than balancing a critique.

Arabic moderate

على كل حال (Ala kulli hal)

Arabic focuses more on the 'anyway' aspect.

Chinese low

其余的 (Qíyú de)

Chinese uses '况且' (kuàngqiě) for the 'moreover' sense.

Easily Confused

De resto vs Do resto

Learners think it's the same as 'de resto'.

Use 'do resto' only for physical parts (e.g., 'the rest of the cake'). Use 'de resto' for ideas.

De resto vs Restante

Both mean 'rest'.

'Restante' is an adjective or noun (the remaining part). 'De resto' is a connector.

FAQ (2)

Yes, it is generally considered neutral to formal. In casual Brazilian speech, 'no mais' is preferred.

Absolutely. It's one of the best ways to start a concluding sentence in an essay.

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