Which one should you use?
When you want to use 'enough' as a noun, for example, in the phrase 'That is enough', it is common to use the constructions o bastante or o suficiente.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the word suficiente is often used to convey 'enough' in both formal and informal contexts. The colloquial variation chega is also used in Portugal. In Brazil, the informal expression tá de bom tamanho can mean 'that's enough' and the phrase já deu is also used informally to mean 'that's enough'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing 'enough' as a noun (e.g., 'the enough'), Portuguese typically employs the construction o bastante or o suficiente.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /basˈtɐ̃.tʃi/.
When do people say it?
If you want to command someone to stop or use the word 'Enough!' as an exclamation, it is more common to use the verb form Basta! rather than the adjective bastante.
Did you know?
- The word chega, used in Portugal to mean 'enough', is actually the third-person singular form of the verb chegar, which primarily means 'to arrive'.
- In Brazil, the expression já deu literally means 'it already gave', but it is used as a sharp way to tell someone they have pushed a situation too far.
- In Brazil, if you want to informally say 'That is enough' regarding an amount, you might say tá de bom tamanho, which literally translates to 'it is of good size'.
Examples in context
- Não é o bastante.That isn't enough.This sentence shows how to use bastante to say something is not enough.Tatoeba #4930307 by Ricardo14, translation #1341555 by CK
- Não é o bastante?Isn't that enough?This sentence uses bastante to form a question about whether something is enough.Tatoeba #4952503 by Ricardo14, translation #1886865 by CK
- Já ouvi o bastante.I've heard enough.This sentence demonstrates using bastante to say you have heard enough.Tatoeba #1639286 by alexmarcelo, translation #1638142 by Spamster
- Obrigado, eu já comi bastante.Thank you, I have eaten enough.
- Essa quantidade é suficiente para a reunião.This quantity is enough for the meeting.
- Não quero mais bolo, chega.I don't want more cake, that's enough.
- Já assisti a esse filme muitas vezes, tá bom assim.I've watched this movie many times already, this is enough.
- 217 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Gabriel are preparing food for a party.
- MarianaTemos bastante comida para todos?Do we have enough food for everyone?
- GabrielAcho que sim, Mariana.I think so, Mariana.
- MarianaE o vinho? É bastante?And the wine? Is it enough?
- GabrielSim, Gabriel acha que é o suficiente.Yes, Gabriel thinks it is enough.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bastante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
