Demais!
Awesome! or Too much!
Literally: Too much / In excess
Use `Demais` to show high-energy approval or to emphasize that something is 'way too' much.
In 15 Seconds
- The ultimate way to say 'Awesome' or 'Great' in Portuguese.
- Can mean 'too much' (quantity) or 'amazing' (quality).
- Perfect for reacting to good news or great food.
Meaning
Think of it as the ultimate Portuguese exclamation for 'Awesome!' or 'Too much!' It expresses that something is incredibly cool or intense.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reacting to a friend's new shoes
Seu tênis é legal demais!
Your sneakers are so cool!
Eating a delicious meal
Essa comida está gostosa demais!
This food is way too tasty!
In a professional but relaxed setting
O resultado do projeto foi bom demais.
The project result was extremely good.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Brazilian penchant for superlatives and emotional intensity. It became a staple of 'Jovem Guarda' and later Pop-Rock culture, symbolizing a lifestyle that is vibrant and 'over the top.'
The 'D+' Shortcut
When texting Brazilians, just type 'D+'. The plus sign stands for 'mais'. It makes you look like a local pro.
Word Order Matters
Always put `demais` AFTER the adjective (e.g., 'caro demais'). If you put `muito` before, it's just 'very', but `demais` after is 'TOO much'.
In 15 Seconds
- The ultimate way to say 'Awesome' or 'Great' in Portuguese.
- Can mean 'too much' (quantity) or 'amazing' (quality).
- Perfect for reacting to good news or great food.
What It Means
Demais is your go-to word for high-energy reactions. It literally means 'too much' or 'excessive.' However, in conversation, it usually means 'amazing' or 'fantastic.' It is like the English word 'wicked' or 'insane.' It captures that feeling of being overwhelmed by how good something is. You are basically saying something is so good it overflows.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone reaction. If a friend tells you they won the lottery, just say Demais! You can also place it after an adjective. For example, Ele é inteligente demais means he is incredibly smart. In texting, you might see it written with extra 's' letters like demaissss for emphasis. It is short, punchy, and very easy to pronounce. Just remember to stress the last syllable: de-MAIS!
When To Use It
Use it when you are genuinely impressed or excited. It works perfectly at a concert when the band is killing it. Use it at a restaurant after the first bite of a perfect brigadeiro. It is great for texting friends about weekend plans. You can even use it to compliment someone’s outfit or a new car. It is the universal 'thumbs up' of the Portuguese language.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in very somber or tragic situations. If someone says they are 'tired demais,' they are complaining, not celebrating. Do not use it in a legal contract or a formal academic paper. It is a bit too 'high-energy' for a funeral or a serious medical consultation. If you use it with a sarcastic tone, it might sound like you are annoyed. Stick to positive vibes unless you are complaining about an excess.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are known for being expressive and enthusiastic. Demais perfectly captures this cultural trait of 'going big.' It gained massive popularity through pop songs and TV soap operas in the 80s and 90s. It reflects a culture that loves to celebrate the 'extra' in life. It is not just good; it is more than good. It is a word that bridges generations, used by kids and grandparents alike.
Common Variations
You will often hear Legal demais which means 'too cool.' Another common one is D+, which is the shorthand version used in text messages. In some regions, you might hear Massa demais or Top demais. If you want to sound very modern, some people just use D in quick chats. No matter the variation, the core feeling of 'extra-ness' remains the same.
Usage Notes
In Brazil, `demais` is incredibly versatile. Just remember: after an adjective, it intensifies it; on its own, it's an exclamation of joy or awe.
The 'D+' Shortcut
When texting Brazilians, just type 'D+'. The plus sign stands for 'mais'. It makes you look like a local pro.
Word Order Matters
Always put `demais` AFTER the adjective (e.g., 'caro demais'). If you put `muito` before, it's just 'very', but `demais` after is 'TOO much'.
The Sarcastic Twist
Brazilians sometimes use `demais` sarcastically for something annoying. If someone is talking too loud, a whispered 'falante demais...' with an eye roll says it all.
Examples
6Seu tênis é legal demais!
Your sneakers are so cool!
Here it acts as an intensifier for the adjective 'legal'.
Essa comida está gostosa demais!
This food is way too tasty!
A common way to compliment a cook informally.
O resultado do projeto foi bom demais.
The project result was extremely good.
Shows enthusiasm without being unprofessional.
A festa ontem foi demais!
The party yesterday was awesome!
Used as a standalone predicate to mean 'great'.
Eu trabalho demais, preciso de férias!
I work too much, I need a vacation!
Shows the literal meaning of 'excessive'.
Eu gosto de você demais.
I like you so much.
Adds emotional weight to the sentiment.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the reaction to a great concert.
O show foi ___!
`Demais` is the perfect slang for 'awesome' or 'incredible' in this context.
How would you tell someone they are 'too' smart?
Você é inteligente ___.
While `muito` works, `demais` placed after the adjective adds that 'extra' punch of emphasis.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Demais'
Used as 'D+' in texts
A aula foi D+!
Talking to friends/family
Isso é bom demais!
Casual workplace
O café está forte demais.
Rarely used as 'awesome'
O gasto foi demais.
Where to drop a 'Demais!'
At a Concert
Essa música é demais!
Eating Dessert
Doce demais!
Getting Good News
Demais! Parabéns!
Feeling Tired
Cansado demais...
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot always! While it often means 'awesome,' its literal meaning is 'too much.' For example, salgado demais means 'too salty,' which is usually bad.
It is a bit informal. Better to use excelente or muito bom to describe your skills, though you can use it to describe a positive result if the vibe is relaxed.
Muito means 'very' and goes before the word. Demais means 'too much' and goes after. Muito bom is very good; bom demais is amazingly good.
It sounds like 'de-MICE' (rhymes with ice). Make sure to put the emphasis on the 'mais' part.
Yes, but it is much more common as an exclamation of 'Awesome!' in Brazil. In Portugal, it leans more towards the literal 'excessive' meaning.
Yes! Você é demais! means 'You are awesome!' It is a very common and warm compliment for friends.
It is a bit 'retro' (90s/2000s style), but everyone still understands it and uses it in casual texts.
Yes, if something is excessive in a bad way. Gente demais means 'too many people,' implying it is crowded and unpleasant.
No, demais is an adverb/adjective that doesn't change for gender or number. It is always demais.
The literal opposite is de menos (too little), but it is used much less frequently than demais.
Related Phrases
Muito bom (Very good)
Legal (Cool)
Massa (Cool/Awesome - Regional)
Top (Great/High quality - Slang)
Incrível (Incredible)
