B1 Collocation Informal 7 min read

demais primeira vez

first time

Literally: too much first time

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to describe an initial experience that was incredibly exciting or awesome.
  • Combines 'primeira vez' (first time) with 'demais' (awesome/too much).
  • Best used in casual conversations, social media, and text messages.
  • Conveys high energy and emotional satisfaction rather than just factual reporting.

Meaning

This phrase is an emphatic way of describing an initial experience that was exceptionally exciting or high-energy. While 'primeira vez' simply means 'first time,' adding 'demais' (which means 'too much' or 'awesome') elevates the event to something truly memorable and intense. It's the difference between a routine first day at work and a first day that felt like a movie scene.

Key Examples

3 of 11
1

Posting a photo of your first trip to the beach

Minha primeira vez no Rio foi demais!

My first time in Rio was awesome!

2

Texting a friend about a new sushi place

Fui lá pela primeira vez e o sushi é demais!

I went there for the first time and the sushi is awesome!

3

Talking about a first date

Nosso primeiro encontro foi bom demais.

Our first date was so good.

🌍

Cultural Background

Brazilians love to use 'demais' to show genuine excitement.

💡

Smile when you say it

It helps convey the positive meaning.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to describe an initial experience that was incredibly exciting or awesome.
  • Combines 'primeira vez' (first time) with 'demais' (awesome/too much).
  • Best used in casual conversations, social media, and text messages.
  • Conveys high energy and emotional satisfaction rather than just factual reporting.

What It Means

Have you ever felt that specific rush of adrenaline when doing something for the very first time? Maybe it was your first bite of a real Brazilian coxinha or your first stroll on Copacabana beach. That feeling is exactly what we are trying to capture here, even if the grammar feels a bit rebel. In Portuguese, we love to intensify everything because life is just better with a bit of extra flavor. This specific combination of demais and primeira vez isn't a standard textbook rule, but it's how people actually talk. It's conversational, it's raw, and it's full of life.

What It Means

At its core, this is about the 'wow' factor of a debut. In a dictionary, demais means 'too much' or 'excessive.' However, in the streets of São Paulo or Rio, it's the go-to word for 'awesome' or 'incredible.' When you pair it with primeira vez, you are saying this wasn't just any first time. It was a first time that went above and beyond your expectations. It's the kind of experience you immediately want to tell your best friend about on WhatsApp. It carries an emotional weight of surprise, joy, and a little bit of 'I can't believe this is happening.' Think of it as the linguistic equivalent of a five-star review with ten fire emojis.

How To Use It

You won't usually find demais placed directly before the noun in formal writing. If you say demais primeira vez, people will understand you're excited, but it sounds like a learner's shortcut. The most natural way to use these words together is to describe the event. For example, A minha primeira vez foi demais! (My first time was awesome!). You are taking the noun phrase and giving it a high-voltage adjective. You can use it when talking about trips, concerts, or even trying a new app. It's perfect for those moments where 'good' just isn't enough. Just remember that demais usually likes to hang out at the end of the sentence to give it that final punch. It's like the exclamation point of the Portuguese language.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you just finished your first live-stream on TikTok and it went viral. You'd tell your followers, Gente, minha primeira vez fazendo live foi demais! (Guys, my first time doing a live was awesome!). Or maybe you just took an Uber in a foreign city for the first time. You might text your partner, A primeira vez usando esse app aqui foi demais, muito rápido. (The first time using this app here was awesome, very fast). On Instagram, you'll see captions under photos of first-time skydiving or first-time sushi eating. People use it to signal that they aren't just reporting a fact; they are sharing a vibe. It's the language of the 'now'—unfiltered and enthusiastic.

When To Use It

This is your go-to phrase for social situations and informal settings. Use it when you are sharing a positive story with friends over coffee or beer. It's great for travel vlogging or writing a casual blog post about your adventures. If you want to show that you are integrating into the culture, using demais shows you've moved past the basic muito bom. It fits perfectly in text messages, social media comments, and casual workplace chats about your weekend. Basically, if you're smiling while you say it, demais is probably the right word to use. It’s the verbal version of a high-five.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this in any situation that requires gravity or extreme formality. If you're at a job interview at a big bank, don't say your first internship was demais. Use excelente or muito proveitosa instead. Also, avoid it for negative 'firsts.' If you got your first speeding ticket, saying it was demais would sound like you're being sarcastic or very confused. It’s also not suitable for formal academic papers or legal documents. You wouldn't write in a report: 'The first time the economy crashed was demais.' That would be a very weird way to lose your job. Keep it for the things that actually bring a sparkle to your eye.

Common Mistakes

Learners often try to translate 'the very first time' literally. They might say ✗ muito primeira vez which sounds very 'gringo' and robotic. Another classic error is putting the intensifier in the wrong spot. You might hear ✗ demais primeira vez when the speaker really meant ✓ primeira vez demais. However, even that is rare. The most common mistake is forgetting that demais is strongly positive in this context. If you want to say 'very first' as in 'the absolute first,' you should use primeiríssima vez. If you want to say it was 'awesome,' use the structure primeira vez foi demais. Don't let the words get tangled like your headphones in your pocket.

Similar Expressions

If you want to sound even more like a native, try primeiríssima vez. The -íssima ending is like adding a turbocharger to the word. It means 'the very, very first.' Another one is de estreia, often used for performances or new clothes. If something was just okay, you'd say foi legal. If it was life-changing, you might say foi inesquecível (unforgettable). For something specifically 'cool' in a younger crowd, you might hear foi irado or foi top. Each one carries a slightly different flavor, but demais remains the king of versatile, high-energy praise. It’s the vanilla bean ice cream of intensifiers—classic and always good.

Common Variations

You might hear people say foi bom demais (it was good too much/awesome). Sometimes they shorten it to just foi demais! after you mention it was your first time. In some regions, like Minas Gerais, you might hear bom demais da conta, which adds even more rural charm to the excitement. Another variation is pela primeira vez na vida, which adds a dramatic flair. If you're texting, you might just write 1ª vez... demais!. The beauty of Portuguese is how you can stretch and squeeze these words to fit your mood. It’s like linguistic yoga—very flexible and slightly addictive.

Memory Trick

💡

To remember this, think of a 'First Place' gold medal. Now, imagine that medal is so shiny and heavy that it's 'Too Much' (Demais) for your neck to hold. You’re in First Place (Primeira Vez) and it’s Awesome (Demais). Or, think of a 'D' for Demais and a 'P' for Primeira. It's your 'DP' moment—the 'Debut Power.' Whenever you do something new and it makes you want to shout, just remember the 'Too Muchness' of the joy. Just don't say it to your boss after a boring meeting, or you might find yourself with a 'first time' being fired!

Quick FAQ

Is demais always positive? In this specific context, yes. While it can mean 'excessive' (like 'too much salt'), when talking about experiences, it's almost always a compliment. Is there a difference between demais and muito? Yes! Muito is just 'very,' but demais feels like it's bursting at the seams with excitement. Can I use it for 'first time' in a romantic sense? Yes, it's very common to describe a first date or a first kiss as having been demais. Is it slang? It’s very informal, bordering on slang, but widely accepted by almost everyone in casual conversation. Should I use it in Portugal? It’s understood there, but they might prefer espetacular or muito fixe. In Brazil, though, demais is the absolute queen.

Usage Notes

Use this phrase in casual, high-energy social situations. It is perfect for sharing personal wins or exciting discoveries with friends. Be careful not to use it in formal business or academic settings where it might seem unprofessional or overly emotional.

💡

Smile when you say it

It helps convey the positive meaning.

Examples

11
#1 Posting a photo of your first trip to the beach

Minha primeira vez no Rio foi demais!

My first time in Rio was awesome!

Here, 'demais' acts as a high-energy adjective for the trip.

#2 Texting a friend about a new sushi place

Fui lá pela primeira vez e o sushi é demais!

I went there for the first time and the sushi is awesome!

Using 'demais' to praise the quality of the food at a new discovery.

#3 Talking about a first date

Nosso primeiro encontro foi bom demais.

Our first date was so good.

The word 'bom' is added to make it even clearer how great it was.

#4 LinkedIn post about a new job

Minha primeira vez liderando um time está sendo demais.

My first time leading a team is being awesome.

Slightly more professional but still very enthusiastic.

#5 Instagram caption for a concert

Show do Alok! Primeira vez e foi demais!

Alok's concert! First time and it was awesome!

Short, punchy caption typical of social media.

A learner trying to say 'very first time' Common Mistake

✗ É a minha demais primeira vez → ✓ É a minha primeiríssima vez.

It is my very first time.

Correcting the word order and using the proper emphatic form.

#7 Telling a story about a first flight

Eu estava com medo, mas a primeira vez voando foi demais.

I was scared, but the first time flying was awesome.

Contrasting fear with the ultimate positive outcome.

#8 WhatsApp message about a new video game

Joguei pela primeira vez e achei esse jogo demais!

I played for the first time and I thought this game was awesome!

Common way to review media or hobbies.

A learner misusing 'demais' for a bad experience Common Mistake

✗ Meu primeiro acidente foi demais → ✓ Meu primeiro acidente foi horrível.

My first accident was horrible.

Don't use 'demais' for bad experiences unless you are being very sarcastic.

#10 At a café with a Brazilian friend

É a minha primeira vez comendo pão de queijo... é bom demais!

It's my first time eating cheese bread... it's so good!

Classic reaction to a first-time Brazilian food experience.

#11 Formal introduction (incorrect usage)

Esta é a primeira vez demais que visito a empresa.

This is the 'awesome' first time I visit the company.

Avoid this structure; just say 'Esta é a primeira vez que...'

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.

A primeira vez que fui ao Brasil foi ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: demais

Demais is the correct intensifier for a positive experience.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Excitement Levels for 'First Time'

Neutral

Standard reporting of facts.

Pela primeira vez...

Empasized

Stressing it's the very first.

A primeiríssima vez...

Enthusiastic

Showing pure joy/excitement.

A primeira vez foi demais!

Over-the-top

Slangy or regional intense praise.

Foi bom demais da conta!

Where to use 'Primeira Vez foi Demais'

Awesome Firsts
🎸

Music Concerts

Show incrível!

✈️

Travel

Viagem inesquecível

🍗

Food

Primeira coxinha

🏆

Achievements

Novo emprego

📱

Social Media

Post no Insta

Demais vs. Primeiríssima

Focus on Emotion (Demais)
Foi demais It was awesome
Bom demais So good
Focus on Precision (Primeiríssima)
Primeiríssima vez The very first time
A primeira de todas The first of all

Variations of 'Awesome'

Standard

  • Demais
  • Muito bom
  • Excelente
😎

Slang (Gíria)

  • Massa
  • Irado
  • Top
🔥

Intense

  • Incrível
  • Espetacular
  • Sensacional

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase. Fill Blank B1

A primeira vez que fui ao Brasil foi ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: demais

Demais is the correct intensifier for a positive experience.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, it's very friendly.

Related Phrases

🔄

foi incrível

synonym

it was incredible

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