Mas vs. Mais in Portuguese: “But” or “More”?
Mas introduces contrast; mais means more. Hear the difference in complete Brazilian Portuguese sentences.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Mas usually means but. It connects an idea with a contrast, a limitation, or an unexpected result.
Use mas to introduce a contrast
In writing, mas is not the same as más with an accent in Spanish. Portuguese mas has no accent mark.
Quero ir, mas estou trabalhando.
I want to go, but I’m working.
O café é pequeno, mas muito forte.
The coffee is small, but very strong.
Ela entende, mas ainda não responde rápido.
She understands, but she doesn’t answer quickly yet.
Use mais for “more” or “most”
Mais often means more and appears with quantities, comparisons, and emphasis. It can modify a noun, verb, or adjective.
For comparisons such as mais caro do que (more expensive than), review our separate article on Portuguese comparatives.
Quero mais água, por favor.
I’d like more water, please.
Hoje caminhei mais.
I walked more today.
Este caminho é mais curto.
This route is shorter.
Check the meaning before you spell
If the sentence means but, write mas. If it means more, write mais. Reading the sentence aloud can help you notice the contrast or quantity.
Both words can sound similar in fast speech. Learn them inside a sentence rather than relying on pronunciation alone.
Queria ficar mais, mas preciso ir.
I wanted to stay longer, but I need to go.
Não quero mais café, mas aceito água.
I don’t want any more coffee, but I’ll have water.
Mais tarde eu te ligo.
I’ll call you later.
Put it into practice
Underline the contrast word in one sentence and the quantity word in another: mas for but, mais for more.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I walked more today”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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