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B1 phrase #6,500 most common 11 min read

em excesso

Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips em excesso in 30 Seconds

Explanation em excesso in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe quantities. You probably know 'muito' (very/much) and 'pouco' (little). 'Em excesso' is a step up from 'muito'. It means 'too much' in a way that might be bad. For example, if you eat 'muito', you are full. If you eat 'em excesso', you might get a stomach ache. At this level, just try to recognize it when you see it on food labels or hear it in simple warnings. You can use it at the end of simple sentences like 'Eu bebo café em excesso' (I drink too much coffee). It's an easy way to sound more specific than just using 'muito' all the time. Remember, it doesn't change if you are talking about a boy, a girl, or many things. It is always 'em excesso'. This makes it very friendly for beginners! Focus on the pronunciation: the 'ex' sounds like 'ess', so it's 'eh-SESS-oh'. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet, just think of it as a fixed phrase for 'too much'.

As an A2 learner, you can start using 'em excesso' to give advice or talk about habits. You are likely learning about health, routines, and daily life. This is the perfect time to incorporate 'em excesso'. Instead of just saying 'Não coma muito sal', you can say 'Não coma sal em excesso'. It sounds more adult and precise. You will notice that 'em excesso' usually comes after the noun it describes. For example, 'água em excesso', 'trabalho em excesso', 'calor em excesso'. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish it from 'demais'. Remember that 'demais' can sometimes be positive ('muito bom!'), but 'em excesso' is almost always about a surplus that is unnecessary or harmful. You might see this phrase in short news clips or weather reports, like 'chuva em excesso'. Start practicing by writing three things you do 'em excesso' (like 'Eu estudo português em excesso!') and three things you should not do 'em excesso'. This will help solidify the phrase in your memory as a tool for describing limits and boundaries in your life.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more abstract topics and provide more detailed explanations. 'Em excesso' becomes a key phrase for discussing social issues, health trends, and workplace dynamics. You should move beyond simple physical quantities and use it for abstract concepts. For example, 'confiança em excesso' (overconfidence) or 'otimismo em excesso' (excessive optimism). You can now use it to qualify your opinions in debates. Instead of saying 'A internet é ruim', you can say 'O uso da internet em excesso é prejudicial'. This shows you understand that the problem isn't the thing itself, but the quantity. You should also be aware of the synonyms like 'demasiadamente' and 'em demasia', though 'em excesso' will remain your most versatile option. At B1, you should also be careful with the spelling (xc and ss) as your writing tasks become more formal. You can also start using it at the beginning of sentences for emphasis: 'Em excesso, até o que é bom faz mal'. This level of sentence variety is what distinguishes a B1 speaker from an A2 speaker. You are now using the phrase not just to communicate a fact, but to structure an argument about moderation.

For B2 learners, 'em excesso' should be a natural part of your vocabulary, used effortlessly in both speech and writing. You should be able to use it in complex sentence structures, including those involving relative clauses or passive voice. For example, 'A burocracia que é imposta em excesso pelas instituições dificulta o empreendedorismo'. At this level, you should also understand the nuance between 'em excesso' and its adjectival form 'excessivo'. You should know when to use one over the other for stylistic reasons. B2 students should also be familiar with the phrase in professional and academic contexts. You might encounter it in a text about economics ('liquidez em excesso') or law ('uso em excesso de poder'). You should be able to paraphrase sentences using 'em excesso' by using verbs like 'exceder' or 'exagerar' to show a wide range of vocabulary. Your goal at B2 is to use 'em excesso' to provide nuanced critiques. You aren't just saying something is 'too much'; you are identifying the specific point where a quantity becomes a liability. This phrase is essential for the 'Discourse Management' part of proficiency exams, as it helps you qualify and refine your statements.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the stylistic and rhetorical potential of 'em excesso'. You should be able to use it to create rhythm in your prose or to add a specific tone to your speech. You might use it in ironic or sarcastic ways, or to describe very subtle psychological states. For example, 'um zelo em excesso que beira a obsessão' (an excess of zeal that borders on obsession). You should also be fully aware of the historical and etymological weight of the word 'excesso' and how it relates to other words in the family like 'excedente', 'exceder', and 'excessivo'. At C1, you should be able to identify when 'em excesso' is used as a technical term versus a general intensifier. You can also compare it with more obscure synonyms like 'sobejamente' or 'sobejo' to demonstrate your advanced lexical reach. Your use of 'em excesso' should be perfectly placed for maximum impact, often used in conjunction with other sophisticated structures like the 'infinitivo pessoal' or complex conditional sentences. You are no longer just learning the phrase; you are mastering it as a tool for precise, high-level communication that can sway an audience or provide a deep analysis of a subject.

As a C2 learner, your mastery of 'em excesso' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You understand the most subtle connotations and can use the phrase in any register, from the most informal slang-filled conversation to a highly technical legal or philosophical treatise. You can use it to discuss the 'Aristotelian mean' in Portuguese, explaining how virtue lies between two extremes, both of which are 'em excesso' in different directions. You are comfortable using it in literary creation, perhaps using it to describe a character's tragic flaw. You also recognize it in classical Portuguese literature, where it might be used with slightly different stylistic flourishes. At this level, you don't even think about the translation; the concept of 'excesso' is integrated into your thought process in Portuguese. You can play with the phrase, perhaps using it in puns or wordplay. Your command of the phrase's synonyms, antonyms, and related idioms like 'além da conta' or 'passar do ponto' is complete, allowing you to choose the exact right word for every possible context. You are a master of the 'locução adverbial', and 'em excesso' is just one of many tools you use to express the infinite variations of human experience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

em excesso in 30 Seconds

Used to describe doing or having 'too much' of something.
Common in health, work, and social contexts to indicate a lack of moderation.
A fixed phrase that does not change for gender or number.
Usually placed after the verb or the noun it modifies.

The Portuguese phrase em excesso is a fundamental adverbial locution used to describe an amount or degree that goes beyond what is considered normal, healthy, or necessary. It translates directly to 'in excess' or 'excessively' in English. This phrase is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking cultures because it touches upon everything from health and diet to work-life balance and emotional expression. Understanding this phrase requires more than just a literal translation; it requires an appreciation for how Portuguese speakers perceive boundaries and limits. In a cultural context, Portuguese society often values moderation (the famous 'meio-termo'), and thus, identifying when something is done em excesso is a common social and personal evaluation.

Grammatical Function: It functions as an adverbial phrase of intensity or quantity, modifying verbs, adjectives, or even other adverbs to indicate surplus.

In everyday conversation, you will hear this phrase frequently in warnings. A doctor might tell a patient that sugar should not be consumed em excesso. A parent might warn a child that playing video games em excesso is harmful to their studies. It carries a slightly negative connotation most of the time, suggesting that the 'excess' has crossed a line into being detrimental or overwhelming. However, in some poetic or romantic contexts, it can be used to describe an abundance of emotion, though even then, it implies a certain lack of control.

Comer sal em excesso pode causar problemas de saúde a longo prazo.

The phrase is composed of the preposition 'em' (in) and the noun 'excesso' (excess). Unlike the English 'excessively', which is a single word, the Portuguese 'em excesso' maintains its structure as a prepositional phrase, which is a very common pattern in Romance languages for creating adverbs. It is often interchangeable with 'demasiado' or 'demais', but 'em excesso' sounds slightly more formal and precise, making it a favorite in medical, legal, and academic writing, as well as in careful daily speech.

Register and Tone: Neutral to Formal. It is appropriate for news reports, professional feedback, and serious advice, but also fits perfectly in a casual conversation about bad habits.

Historically, the word 'excesso' comes from the Latin 'excessus', meaning 'a going out' or 'departure'. This root helps us understand the Portuguese usage: it is a departure from the norm. When someone works em excesso, they have departed from the standard eight-hour workday into a territory that is potentially dangerous or unsustainable. This sense of 'crossing a boundary' is central to the word's identity.

A confiança em excesso pode levar a erros graves de julgamento.

Using em excesso correctly involves placing it strategically within the sentence to modify the right element. Most commonly, it follows a verb to describe the manner or extent of an action. For example, in the sentence 'Ele trabalha em excesso', the phrase modifies 'trabalha', telling us how much he works. It is important to note that the phrase usually comes at the end of the clause or immediately after the verb and its direct object.

Common Sentence Structures: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Object (optional)] + em excesso.

You can also use it to modify nouns, but it usually requires a linking structure or acts as a post-modifier. For instance, 'O consumo de álcool em excesso' (The consumption of alcohol in excess). Here, it qualifies the noun 'consumo'. Notice how it doesn't change for gender or number; whether you are talking about one thing or many, 'em excesso' remains exactly as it is. This makes it easier for learners than adjectives like 'excessivo' or 'excessiva', which must agree with the noun they modify.

Não devemos nos preocupar em excesso com o que os outros pensam.

One of the nuances of this phrase is its ability to be used in negative constructions. 'Nada em excesso é bom' is a common Portuguese proverb, translating to 'Nothing in excess is good'. This highlights the philosophical application of the phrase. When constructing sentences, avoid placing 'em excesso' before the verb, as this can sound unnatural. For example, 'Ele em excesso trabalha' is incorrect. Stick to the post-verbal position for clarity and natural flow.

Comparison with 'Demais': While 'demais' is more colloquial and can sometimes mean 'awesome' in Brazilian slang, 'em excesso' is strictly about quantity and remains more clinical or formal.

In more complex sentences, 'em excesso' can be part of a prepositional phrase that starts a sentence for emphasis: 'Em excesso, qualquer remédio vira veneno' (In excess, any medicine becomes poison). This inversion is used for rhetorical effect, particularly in writing or formal oratory. As a learner, mastering this phrase will allow you to express the concept of 'too much' with a degree of sophistication that 'muito' or 'demais' cannot always provide.

A chuva em excesso causou inundações em toda a região sul.

If you are watching the evening news in Brazil or Portugal, you are almost guaranteed to hear em excesso. It is the standard way journalists describe flooding (chuva em excesso), traffic congestion (veículos em excesso), or government spending (gastos em excesso). It provides a level of objectivity that is required for reporting. In the workplace, managers often use it during performance reviews to discuss 'dedicação em excesso' (which might be a compliment) or 'burocracia em excesso' (which is definitely a complaint). It is a professional way to address issues of scale.

Health and Wellness Contexts: This is perhaps the most common domain. From gym instructors to nutritionists, the warning 'não treine em excesso' (don't overtrain) or 'não coma gordura em excesso' is constant.

In the world of social media and modern psychology, 'em excesso' has taken on new life. People talk about 'informação em excesso' (information overload) or 'exposição em excesso' (overexposure). It reflects a modern anxiety about the digital world. When listening to podcasts or YouTube videos in Portuguese, you'll hear influencers discussing how 'estimulação em excesso' affects mental health. It has become a key term in the vocabulary of self-improvement and digital minimalism.

O uso de redes sociais em excesso pode prejudicar a saúde mental dos jovens.

In literary circles or high-end film reviews, you might hear critics talking about 'sentimentalismo em excesso' or 'diálogos em excesso'. In these cases, the phrase is used to critique the artistic balance of a work. Even in sports, a commentator might say a team is 'atacando em excesso' and neglecting their defense. The versatility of the phrase across different domains of life—from the physical to the abstract—is what makes it a 'must-know' for B1 level students and above.

Legal and Technical Usage: In legal documents, 'uso em excesso de poder' refers to an abuse of authority, a specific legal term that demonstrates the phrase's formal weight.

Finally, you will encounter it in everyday warnings on products. Alcohol bottles in Brazil often carry the warning: 'Evite o consumo em excesso'. It is the official language of caution. Whether you are reading a label, listening to a doctor, or arguing with a friend about their work habits, 'em excesso' is the phrase that defines the boundary between 'enough' and 'too much'.

A burocracia em excesso impede o crescimento das pequenas empresas.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using em excesso is trying to translate 'excessively' as 'excessivamente' in every situation. While 'excessivamente' is a valid word, 'em excesso' is often the more natural choice for describing habits or physical quantities. For example, saying 'Eu como excessivamente' sounds a bit like a textbook, whereas 'Eu como em excesso' sounds like a natural conversation. Another common error is confusing the spelling of 'excesso' with the English 'excess'. In Portuguese, it is spelled with 'xc' and 'ss', and missing either of these is a common orthographic mistake even for native speakers.

Spelling Alert: Incorrect: exceço, exesso, excesso (wait, the last one is correct!). Always check the 'xc' and 'ss'.

Another mistake involves the preposition. English speakers might try to say 'no excesso' (in the excess) or 'por excesso'. While 'por excesso' exists in specific mathematical or technical contexts (like 'error by excess'), for general use of 'too much', 'em excesso' is the fixed locution. Changing the preposition usually changes the meaning or makes the sentence ungrammatical. Additionally, students often forget that 'em excesso' follows the noun or verb. Placing it before the noun, like 'em excesso café', is a direct carryover from English 'excess coffee' and is incorrect in Portuguese. It must be 'café em excesso'.

Erro Comum: Ele bebe em excessos. Correto: Ele bebe em excesso.

There is also a confusion between 'em excesso' and 'demais'. While they often overlap, 'demais' can also mean 'very' or 'extremely' in a positive way (e.g., 'Isso é legal demais!' - This is so cool!). 'Em excesso' never has this positive, slang-like meaning. If you use 'em excesso' to describe a party you liked, people will think you are complaining that the party was too much to handle, rather than saying it was great. Understanding this distinction in 'vibe' is crucial for social integration.

Agreement Errors: Since it's an adverbial phrase, it doesn't change. Don't try to make it 'em excessas' if you are talking about 'comidas'.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'excedente'. While related, 'excedente' usually refers to a surplus in economic or inventory terms (like a budget surplus). Using 'em excesso' for a budget surplus might be understood, but 'superavit' or 'excedente' is the technical term. Conversely, using 'excedente' to say someone is eating too much is incorrect. 'Em excesso' is for the behavior or the state of being too much, while 'excedente' is for the leftover quantity itself.

Não confunda em excesso (adverbial) com excessivo (adjetivo).

To enrich your Portuguese, it is helpful to know the synonyms and alternatives to em excesso. The most common alternative is demais. It is shorter and very common in speech. However, as mentioned, 'demais' is more informal and can be ambiguous. Another strong synonym is demasiadamente. This is the 'long' adverb form of 'too much'. It is quite formal and often used in literature or formal speeches to add weight to a statement. In many cases, 'em excesso' and 'demasiadamente' are perfectly interchangeable, though the former is more common in speech.

Comparison: Em Excesso vs. Demais: 'Em excesso' is precise and formal. 'Demais' is versatile and informal. Use 'em excesso' for warnings and 'demais' for casual complaints.

Then there is em demasia. This is almost identical to 'em excesso' but is slightly more old-fashioned or literary. You might find it in older books or formal academic papers. Another related word is the adjective excessivo. While 'em excesso' is an adverbial phrase, 'excessivo' is the adjective. So, you would say 'O brilho é excessivo' (The brightness is excessive) but 'A luz brilha em excesso' (The light shines in excess). Knowing when to switch between the adverbial phrase and the adjective will make your Portuguese sound much more natural.

Sinônimos: demais, demasiadamente, em demasia.

If you want to express the idea of 'going overboard', you can use the verbal expression exagerar. Instead of saying 'Você bebeu em excesso', you could say 'Você exagerou'. This is very common in social settings. 'Exagerar' focuses on the action of the person, while 'em excesso' focuses on the quantity of the thing. There is also sobejamente, which means 'more than enough' or 'abundantly', but it usually has a more positive or neutral connotation than the potentially negative 'em excesso'.

Specific Contexts: In technical fields, you might use 'acima do limite' (above the limit). In culinary contexts, 'salgado demais' is more common than 'sal em excesso', though both are correct.

Finally, consider the phrase além da conta. This is a very idiomatic way to say 'too much' or 'in excess'. It literally means 'beyond the count/bill'. It is very common in Brazil. 'Ele falou além da conta' (He spoke more than he should have). It adds a nice local flavor to your speech compared to the more standard 'em excesso'. By mixing these alternatives, you can avoid repetition and sound like a more fluent speaker.

Expressão idiomática: além da conta (beyond the limit/too much).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Latin, 'excessus' could also mean 'death' (a departure from life), though in modern Portuguese, it only refers to quantity or behavior.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ẽj̃ eˈsɛsu/

US /ẽj̃ eˈsɛsu/

The stress is on the second syllable of 'excesso' (CES).

Rhymes With

sucesso processo progresso ingresso impresso expresso retrocesso arremesso

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'x' as 'ks' (like 'ek-seso'). It should be a soft 's'.
Not nasalizing the 'em'. It shouldn't sound like 'em' in 'them', but like a nasal 'e'.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'O'. In most dialects, it reduces to a 'u' sound.
Stressing the first syllable 'EX-cesso'.
Pronouncing 'em' as 'en'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like the English 'excess'.

Writing 4/5

Harder due to the 'xc' and 'ss' spelling which is tricky.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice with nasal 'em' and soft 'x'.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'excesso' (the noun) or other similar sounding words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

muito mais em com não

Learn Next

demais excessivo exagerar moderação limite

Advanced

sobejamente parcimônia frugalidade intemperança exorbitante

Grammar to Know

Adverbial Locutions

Em excesso, às vezes, de repente.

Invariability of Adverbs

Eles correm rápido (not rápidos).

Prepositional Phrases as Adverbs

Com cuidado, em silêncio, em excesso.

Placement of Adverbs of Degree

Usually follow the verb or the object.

Negative Imperatives with Adverbs

Não coma em excesso.

Examples by Level

Eu não bebo café em excesso.

I don't drink coffee in excess.

Simple negative sentence with the phrase at the end.

Comer açúcar em excesso é ruim.

Eating sugar in excess is bad.

Using the phrase to modify a noun (açúcar).

Ela trabalha em excesso todos os dias.

She works excessively every day.

Modifying the verb 'trabalha'.

Você dorme em excesso no fim de semana?

Do you sleep in excess on the weekend?

Question form.

O sal em excesso faz mal ao coração.

Excess salt is bad for the heart.

Phrase modifying the subject.

Não use o celular em excesso.

Don't use the cell phone in excess.

Imperative (command) form.

Eles compram roupas em excesso.

They buy clothes in excess.

Simple present tense.

Muita chuva em excesso causa lama.

Too much rain in excess causes mud.

Note: 'Muita' and 'em excesso' together is slightly redundant but used for emphasis.

É importante não praticar exercícios em excesso.

It is important not to practice exercises in excess.

Infinitive construction.

O médico disse que eu bebo refrigerante em excesso.

The doctor said I drink soda in excess.

Reported speech.

A luz em excesso me dá dor de cabeça.

Excess light gives me a headache.

Subject + phrase + indirect object.

Nós evitamos viajar com bagagem em excesso.

We avoid traveling with excess luggage.

Verb 'evitar' followed by the phrase.

O barulho em excesso incomoda os vizinhos.

Excess noise bothers the neighbors.

Noun phrase as subject.

Você está se preocupando com os detalhes em excesso.

You are worrying about the details in excess.

Present continuous tense.

Não coloque pimenta em excesso na comida.

Don't put excess pepper in the food.

Negative imperative.

Ele gasta dinheiro em excesso com jogos.

He spends excess money on games.

Verb + object + phrase.

A exposição ao sol em excesso pode causar queimaduras graves.

Excessive sun exposure can cause serious burns.

Abstract noun modified by the phrase.

Muitos jovens sofrem por causa da informação em excesso na internet.

Many young people suffer because of information overload on the internet.

Causal construction 'por causa de'.

O projeto falhou devido à burocracia em excesso.

The project failed due to excessive bureaucracy.

Formal cause 'devido à'.

Nada deve ser feito em excesso, nem mesmo o estudo.

Nothing should be done in excess, not even studying.

Passive voice 'ser feito'.

A confiança em excesso pode ser um defeito em um líder.

Overconfidence can be a flaw in a leader.

Abstract concept as subject.

Eles discutiram por causa de ciúmes em excesso.

They argued because of excessive jealousy.

Emotional state modified by the phrase.

O motorista foi multado por velocidade em excesso.

The driver was fined for excessive speed.

Legal/official context.

A planta morreu porque recebeu água em excesso.

The plant died because it received too much water.

Cause and effect.

A análise em excesso muitas vezes leva à paralisia na tomada de decisão.

Over-analysis often leads to paralysis in decision-making.

Complex subject phrase.

O autor foi criticado pelo uso de adjetivos em excesso em seu novo livro.

The author was criticized for the excessive use of adjectives in his new book.

Passive voice with agent.

Devemos evitar o consumo de notícias trágicas em excesso para proteger nossa saúde mental.

We should avoid consuming tragic news in excess to protect our mental health.

Infinitive phrase with purpose clause.

A liquidez em excesso no mercado pode gerar inflação a curto prazo.

Excess liquidity in the market can generate short-term inflation.

Economic terminology.

O treinador acredita que o otimismo em excesso pode cegar os jogadores para seus próprios erros.

The coach believes that over-optimism can blind players to their own mistakes.

Subordinate clause with 'que'.

A produção em excesso resultou em um grande desperdício de matéria-prima.

Overproduction resulted in a great waste of raw materials.

Industrial/Business context.

Não é aconselhável tomar suplementos vitamínicos em excesso sem orientação médica.

It is not advisable to take vitamin supplements in excess without medical guidance.

Impersonal 'não é aconselhável'.

A urbanização em excesso destruiu o habitat natural de várias espécies locais.

Excessive urbanization destroyed the natural habitat of several local species.

Environmental context.

O rigor em excesso na aplicação da lei pode, por vezes, ferir o princípio da equidade.

Excessive rigor in applying the law can sometimes violate the principle of equity.

Formal legal/philosophical discourse.

Sua preocupação em excesso com a estética revela uma insegurança profunda.

His excessive concern with aesthetics reveals deep insecurity.

Psychological analysis.

A proliferação de normas em excesso acaba por engessar o funcionamento das instituições públicas.

The proliferation of excessive norms ends up paralyzing the functioning of public institutions.

Use of 'acaba por' to show a result.

O filme peca pelo sentimentalismo em excesso, o que compromete a veracidade da trama.

The film fails due to excessive sentimentalism, which compromises the truthfulness of the plot.

Artistic criticism using 'pecar por'.

É imperativo que não haja um protecionismo em excesso que impeça a livre concorrência.

It is imperative that there is no excessive protectionism that prevents free competition.

Subjunctive mood after 'é imperativo que'.

A ostentação em excesso nas redes sociais é frequentemente um reflexo de uma vida vazia.

Excessive showing off on social media is often a reflection of an empty life.

Sociological observation.

O autoritarismo em excesso do gestor gerou um clima de insatisfação generalizada na equipe.

The manager's excessive authoritarianism created a climate of widespread dissatisfaction in the team.

Describing leadership style.

A poluição sonora em excesso nas grandes metrópoles é um problema de saúde pública negligenciado.

Excessive noise pollution in large metropolises is a neglected public health problem.

Describing environmental issues.

A hermenêutica jurídica, quando aplicada em excesso, pode desvirtuar a intenção original do legislador.

Legal hermeneutics, when applied in excess, can distort the legislator's original intention.

High-level legal academic language.

O virtuosismo técnico em excesso, por vezes, oblitera a alma da composição musical.

Excessive technical virtuosity sometimes obliterates the soul of the musical composition.

Sophisticated artistic vocabulary ('oblitera').

A introspecção em excesso pode conduzir o indivíduo a um solipsismo paralisante.

Excessive introspection can lead the individual to a paralyzing solipsism.

Philosophical/Psychological terminology.

A adjetivação em excesso na prosa barroca reflete a angústia existencial daquela época.

The excessive use of adjectives in Baroque prose reflects the existential anguish of that era.

Literary history and analysis.

Um zelo em excesso pela liturgia pode acabar por sobrepor a forma ao conteúdo espiritual.

Excessive zeal for liturgy can end up prioritizing form over spiritual content.

Theological nuance.

A prudência em excesso transmuda-se em covardia diante dos desafios necessários da vida.

Excessive prudence transforms into cowardice in the face of life's necessary challenges.

Use of the verb 'transmudar-se'.

A minúcia em excesso no relatório acabou por obscurecer os pontos fundamentais da investigação.

Excessive detail in the report ended up obscuring the fundamental points of the investigation.

Describing professional documentation errors.

O escrutínio público em excesso sobre a vida privada das celebridades levanta questões éticas profundas.

Excessive public scrutiny of celebrities' private lives raises profound ethical questions.

Social and ethical critique.

Common Collocations

comer em excesso

trabalhar em excesso

beber em excesso

velocidade em excesso

chuva em excesso

confiança em excesso

sal em excesso

burocracia em excesso

luz em excesso

calor em excesso

Common Phrases

Nada em excesso.

— A common proverb advising moderation in all things.

Lembre-se: nada em excesso é bom.

Tudo em excesso faz mal.

— Everything in excess is harmful. A very common warning.

Não estude tanto; tudo em excesso faz mal.

Evite o consumo em excesso.

— Official warning found on alcohol and unhealthy food labels.

A etiqueta diz: evite o consumo em excesso.

Em excesso de velocidade.

— The standard way to say someone is speeding.

Ele estava dirigindo em excesso de velocidade.

Zelo em excesso.

— Being too careful or protective.

O zelo em excesso dos pais pode sufocar os filhos.

Bagagem em excesso.

— Excess baggage, both literal (suitcases) and figurative (emotional).

Você tem que pagar pela bagagem em excesso.

Peso em excesso.

— Overweight or excess weight on a structure.

O caminhão levava peso em excesso.

Otimismo em excesso.

— Being too optimistic to the point of being unrealistic.

Otimismo em excesso pode levar a riscos desnecessários.

Informação em excesso.

— Information overload.

Vivemos em uma era de informação em excesso.

Gasto em excesso.

— Overspending.

O governo precisa controlar o gasto em excesso.

Often Confused With

em excesso vs excesso

This is the noun itself. 'Em excesso' is the phrase. Don't say 'Isso é um em excesso'.

em excesso vs excessivo

This is the adjective. Use it before or after a noun to describe a quality. 'O gasto excessivo'.

em excesso vs excedente

Refers to a leftover amount, usually in stock or economics.

Idioms & Expressions

"Passar da conta"

— To go over the limit, synonymous with doing something 'em excesso'.

Ontem eu passei da conta na festa.

informal

"Encher a cara"

— To drink alcohol 'em excesso'.

Ele encheu a cara no casamento.

slang

"Pisar no acelerador"

— To do something with 'velocidade em excesso' or too much intensity.

Calma, não precisa pisar no acelerador no trabalho.

informal

"Passar do ponto"

— To overcook something or to overdo an action.

A carne passou do ponto e ficou dura.

neutral

"Chutar o balde"

— To lose control or do something 'em excesso' after being patient.

Eu estava de dieta, mas chutei o balde no domingo.

informal

"Falar pelos cotovelos"

— To talk 'em excesso'.

Minha tia fala pelos cotovelos.

informal

"Ter olhos maiores que a barriga"

— To take food 'em excesso' compared to what one can eat.

Não pegue tudo isso; você tem olhos maiores que a barriga.

informal

"Botar lenha na fogueira"

— To add 'em excesso' to a conflict or situation.

Não diga isso, você só vai botar lenha na fogueira.

informal

"Estar com a corda toda"

— To have energy 'em excesso'.

As crianças estão com a corda toda hoje.

informal

"Fazer tempestade em copo d'água"

— To worry 'em excesso' about a small problem.

Calma, você está fazendo tempestade em copo d'água.

informal

Easily Confused

em excesso vs demais

Both mean 'too much'.

Demais is more informal and can be used as 'awesome'. Em excesso is more formal and always means a surplus.

Este bolo é bom demais! (Awesome) / Este bolo tem açúcar em excesso. (Too much sugar)

em excesso vs muito

Both indicate a large quantity.

Muito is neutral. Em excesso implies it has crossed a limit or is harmful.

Eu tenho muito trabalho. (Neutral) / Eu trabalho em excesso. (Negative implication)

em excesso vs exagerado

Both relate to being 'too much'.

Exagerado is an adjective describing a person or a specific act. Em excesso is an adverbial phrase describing the quantity.

Ele é um ator exagerado. / Ele usa gestos em excesso.

em excesso vs bastante

Both mean 'a lot'.

Bastante usually means 'enough' or 'sufficiently large'. Em excesso means 'more than enough'.

Eu estudei bastante. (I'm prepared) / Eu estudei em excesso. (I'm exhausted)

em excesso vs superavit

Both mean having more than needed.

Superavit is a technical economic term for a budget surplus. Em excesso is general.

O país teve um superavit comercial. / O país tem impostos em excesso.

Sentence Patterns

Eu [verbo] [substantivo] em excesso.

Eu bebo água em excesso.

Não [verbo] em excesso.

Não trabalhe em excesso.

O [substantivo] em excesso [verbo]...

O sal em excesso prejudica a saúde.

Evite o [substantivo] em excesso para...

Evite o estresse em excesso para viver melhor.

Apesar do [substantivo] em excesso, ...

Apesar do barulho em excesso, consegui dormir.

A [substantivo] em excesso acaba por [verbo]...

A burocracia em excesso acaba por paralisar a economia.

General

Nada em excesso é [adjetivo].

Nada em excesso é saudável.

General

[Substantivo] em excesso causa [substantivo].

Velocidade em excesso causa acidentes.

Word Family

Nouns

excesso (the excess)

excedente (the surplus)

Verbs

exceder (to exceed)

exagerar (to exaggerate)

Adjectives

excessivo (excessive)

excedente (surplus/extra)

demasia

exagero

sobejo

superavit

abundância

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in news, health, and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Eu bebo cafe em excessos. → Eu bebo café em excesso.
The phrase 'em excesso' is invariable and never takes the plural form.
Ele tem excesso confiança. → Ele tem confiança em excesso.
You must use the preposition 'em' and place the phrase after the noun.
Isso é excessivamente demais. → Isso é em excesso. / Isso é demais.
Combining 'excessivamente' and 'demais' is redundant and incorrect.
A chuva no excesso causou danos. → A chuva em excesso causou danos.
The correct preposition is always 'em', not 'no'.
Eu comi muito em excesso. → Eu comi em excesso. / Eu comi muito.
Using 'muito' and 'em excesso' together is redundant. Choose one.

Tips

Fixed Phrase

Never try to pluralize 'excesso' in this phrase. Even if you are talking about 'muitos problemas', it is still 'problemas em excesso'.

The Soft X

The 'x' in excesso sounds like 'ss'. Think of the word 'assess' in English to get the right sound for the middle part.

Health Labels

Look for this phrase on food packaging in Brazil. It's the standard way to warn about high sugar, salt, or fat content.

Professional Tone

Use 'em excesso' in business reports to describe overspending or inefficiency. it sounds objective and professional.

Giving Advice

When warning a friend, 'em excesso' sounds less aggressive than 'você é exagerado'. It focuses on the action, not the person.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't say 'muito em excesso'. Use one or the other. 'Muito' is enough, or 'em excesso' is more specific.

Read News

Read weather reports in Portuguese. You will see 'chuva em excesso' almost every time there is a storm.

Think of Boundaries

Use 'em excesso' whenever a limit has been crossed. It's the phrase for the 'red zone' of any activity.

Vs. Demais

Remember that 'demais' at the end of a sentence can be 'too much', but 'em excesso' is more precise for quantities.

Proverbs

Memorize 'Nada em excesso'. It's a great phrase to use in conversations about philosophy or lifestyle.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'EX-CESS' in English. It looks almost the same! Just add 'em' (in) at the front and 'o' at the end. 'EM-EX-CESSO'.

Visual Association

Imagine a glass of water overflowing. The water falling out of the glass is the 'excesso'.

Word Web

Muito Demais Limite Saúde Trabalho Balanço Equilíbrio Moderação

Challenge

Try to go through your day and identify three things you see 'em excesso' (like cars in traffic or sugar in a snack) and say the phrase out loud.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'excessus', which is the past participle of 'excedere'. 'Ex-' means 'out' and 'cedere' means 'to go'.

Original meaning: A going out, a departure, or a projection.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'em excesso' to describe people's weight or personal habits, as it can sound judgmental.

English speakers often use 'too much' for everything. In Portuguese, using 'em excesso' makes you sound more sophisticated and precise.

The phrase 'Nada em excesso' is the Portuguese translation of the ancient Greek aphorism 'Mēdèn ágan' from the Temple of Delphi. Many Brazilian 'Samba' songs talk about 'amor em excesso' or 'paixão em excesso'. Government health campaigns in Portugal use the slogan 'Sal em excesso, a sua saúde tropeça'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Health and Diet

Açúcar em excesso
Sal em excesso
Gordura em excesso
Calorias em excesso

Work and Productivity

Trabalho em excesso
Burocracia em excesso
Reuniões em excesso
Carga horária em excesso

Weather and Environment

Chuva em excesso
Calor em excesso
Poluição em excesso
Umidade em excesso

Psychology and Emotions

Confiança em excesso
Preocupação em excesso
Zelo em excesso
Entusiasmo em excesso

Traffic and Law

Velocidade em excesso
Peso em excesso
Veículos em excesso
Multa por excesso

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que as pessoas usam as redes sociais em excesso hoje em dia?"

"Qual comida você gosta tanto que acaba comendo em excesso?"

"Você já teve problemas por trabalhar em excesso no passado?"

"Como podemos evitar a informação em excesso na internet?"

"Você acredita que o otimismo em excesso pode ser ruim para os negócios?"

Journal Prompts

Reflita sobre um hábito que você tem em excesso e como ele afeta sua vida diária.

Escreva sobre uma vez que a chuva em excesso mudou seus planos de viagem ou trabalho.

Descreva o que significa para você o ditado 'Nada em excesso'.

Pense em um líder que você admira. Ele tinha confiança em excesso ou era equilibrado?

Analise como a burocracia em excesso afeta o desenvolvimento do seu país.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, yes. It implies that a limit has been crossed. However, in some poetic contexts like 'amor em excesso', it might be seen as intense rather than purely negative, but it still suggests a lack of moderation.

No, that is incorrect. The fixed phrase is always 'em excesso'. 'No excesso' would mean 'in the excess', which doesn't make sense in this context.

They are very similar. 'Excessivamente' is a single-word adverb, while 'em excesso' is a phrase. 'Em excesso' is much more common in daily speech and on product labels.

It's one of the trickiest words in Portuguese! Remember: E - X - C - E - S - S - O. One 'x', one 'c', and two 's's.

Yes, to describe their actions (Ele fala em excesso) or their characteristics (Ele tem confiança em excesso). Be careful as it can be critical.

Neither is 'better', but 'demais' is more informal. If you are writing an essay or a professional email, 'em excesso' is the safer and more professional choice.

No. It is an adverbial phrase and remains 'em excesso' regardless of what it modifies. Example: 'carros em excesso' and 'água em excesso'.

Usually after the verb or the noun it is describing. Example: 'Beber em excesso' or 'Sal em excesso'.

Yes, you can say 'tempo em excesso' (excess time), though 'tempo demais' is more common.

In Brazil, people often say 'além da conta' or just 'passou do ponto' to mean the same thing in a more colorful way.