Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Você fala demais.
What is the literal translation of "Você fala demais" into English?
It literally translates to "You talk too much." Here, "Você" means "you," "fala" is the conjugated form of "falar" meaning "talk," and "demais" means "too much" or "excessively."
What role does "demais" play in this sentence?
"Demais" functions as an adverb that modifies the verb "fala." It intensifies the action by indicating that the amount of talking is excessive.
Why is the form "fala" used with "você" instead of a form like "falas"?
In Brazilian Portuguese, even though "você" translates to "you," it is conjugated as if it were a third person singular noun. That’s why the verb form "fala" (third person singular) is used rather than the second person singular form "falas."
Is the sentence considered formal or informal?
The sentence is generally informal. While "você" can be used in various contexts, "Você fala demais" carries a blunt and casual tone that might be more appropriate in informal settings. In formal contexts, such direct remarks may come off as rude.
Could this sentence be perceived as offensive?
Yes, it can be perceived as offensive or critical, especially if said in a harsh tone. Telling someone "Você fala demais" may be interpreted as a direct criticism of their behavior, so context and tone are crucial.
How does the sentence structure compare to that of an English sentence?
The structure is quite similar. It follows a Subject-Verb-Adverb order: "Você" (subject) corresponds to "you," "fala" (verb) corresponds to "talk," and "demais" (adverb) corresponds to "too much." This similarity can help English speakers understand the basic construction.
Are there alternative ways to express the idea of talking too much in Portuguese?
Yes, there are alternatives. For example, you could say "Você não para de falar" which means "You don't stop talking." Another option is "Você exagera na conversa," implying that the person overdoes their conversation. Each of these alternatives carries its own nuances regarding tone and level of criticism.