mais
/ˈmajs/
The English phrase 'more' is translated to Portuguese as mais.
If you wish to express 'moreover' or 'in addition' in a formal context, you can use Além disso. For expressing 'additionally' or 'furthermore' formally, Adicionalmente is an option. To emphasize a point or provide extra information formally, use Para além disso. In informal situations, you can use the expression Sem contar que to mean 'not to mention'.
Which one should you use?
mais refers to 'more' in terms of addition or quantity, which is distinct from menos, meaning 'less'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the comparative 'more [adjective]', place mais directly before the adjective, such as in mais alto (taller/higher).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmajs/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse mais (more) with mas (but) because they have a similar pronunciation.
Did you know?
- The word 'mais' is the direct descendant of the Latin word 'magis'. Because of this, it is a close linguistic relative of the English word 'major'.
Examples in context
- Me dê mais uma.Give me one more.Tatoeba #4278782 by Ricardo14, translation #3151507 by CK
- Não há mais pão.There's no more bread.Tatoeba #11447739 by Advanced, translation #9414879 by CK
- Não tem mais sal.There's no more salt.Tatoeba #970645 by alexmarcelo, translation #467337 by CK
- Já visitei muitos países europeus e, além disso, viajei para o Brasil duas vezes.I have already visited many European countries, and moreover, I have traveled to Brazil twice.
- O projeto já está em andamento há alguns meses. Para além disso, temos um prazo apertado para finalizá-lo.The project has already been underway for a few months. Moreover, we have a tight deadline to finish it.
- Eu acabei de comprar os ingressos para o show. Além do mais, nós conseguimos lugares na primeira fila!I just bought the tickets for the concert. Besides, we got seats in the front row!
- A comida no restaurante é incrível! Sem contar que o atendimento é sempre impecável.The food at the restaurant is amazing! Not to mention that the service is always impeccable.
- Mais do que nuncaMore than ever
- Mais uma vezOnce again
- Por mais que eu tenteNo matter how hard I try
- 3638 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Rodrigo are eating dinner together.
- JulianaVocê quer mais água, Rodrigo?Do you want more water, Rodrigo?
- RodrigoSim, por favor, Juliana.Yes, please, Juliana.
- JulianaQuer mais um pouco de salada também?Do you want a bit more salad too?
- RodrigoNão, obrigado, já estou satisfeito.No, thank you, I'm already full.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mais, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
