Ainda por Cima: Add ‘On Top of That’ in Portuguese
Ainda por cima means ‘on top of that’ or ‘to make matters worse.’ Learn how it connects an additional detail to a situation.
Real Life Portuguese · 4 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Ainda por cima means “on top of that” or “to make matters worse.” It adds a second fact to a situation already described. The added fact often makes the situation more difficult, surprising, or frustrating, but context and tone determine the effect.
Use ainda por cima to add another detail
The phrase can introduce a new clause or appear inside it. Because it often carries emphasis, it is stronger and more conversational than simply listing another neutral point.
O ônibus atrasou e, ainda por cima, começou a chover.
The bus was late and, on top of that, it started raining.
Ela chegou atrasada e ainda por cima esqueceu os documentos.
She arrived late and, to make matters worse, forgot the documents.
O apartamento é pequeno e ainda por cima fica longe do metrô.
The apartment is small and, on top of that, it’s far from the metro.
Compare ainda por cima with além disso
Além disso means “besides” or “in addition” and is more neutral. Ainda por cima often highlights an extra factor that intensifies the situation. Choose the connector that matches the tone you want.
Do not translate the words one by one as “still on top.” Learn ainda por cima as a complete connector and notice what detail the speaker is adding.
O hotel é bem localizado. Além disso, o café da manhã está incluído.
The hotel is well located. In addition, breakfast is included.
Perdi a chave e, ainda por cima, meu celular ficou sem bateria.
I lost my key and, on top of that, my phone battery died.
Além disso, precisamos confirmar o endereço.
Besides, we need to confirm the address.
Put it into practice
Use ainda por cima to emphasize an extra complication or notable detail; choose além disso for a more neutral addition.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “The hotel is well located. In addition, breakfast is included”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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