Inklingo

How to Say "excess" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “excess” is “exceso” — use 'exceso' when referring to an amount that is more than what is necessary, permitted, or normal, often implying a negative consequence or rule violation.

exceso🔊B1

Use 'exceso' when referring to an amount that is more than what is necessary, permitted, or normal, often implying a negative consequence or rule violation.

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sobra🔊B1

Choose 'sobra' to talk about a general surplus, remainder, or something left over after use, like extra food or resources.

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abuso🔊B1

Use 'abuso' when the excess involves misuse, harmful overuse, or taking advantage of something, often with negative health or ethical implications.

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sobredosis🔊B2

Employ 'sobredosis' specifically when referring to an excessive amount of something, particularly medication or information, that can be harmful or overwhelming.

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borrachera🔊C1

Use 'borrachera' metaphorically to describe a spree or an overwhelming abundance of something positive or exciting, like goals in a game or a period of success.

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lujuria🔊B2

This word is rarely used for 'excess' in modern Spanish and is primarily found in historical or literary contexts to describe overwhelming abundance, often with a moral or religious connotation.

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English → Spanish

exceso

eks-SEH-sohekˈse.so

nounB1general
Use 'exceso' when referring to an amount that is more than what is necessary, permitted, or normal, often implying a negative consequence or rule violation.
A small, simple woven basket completely overflowing with a massive, colorful pile of apples and oranges, symbolizing too much quantity.

Examples

Condujo con exceso de velocidad y le pusieron una multa.

He drove with excessive speed and was given a ticket.

Hay un exceso de azúcar en esta receta, es demasiado dulce.

There is an excess of sugar in this recipe; it's too sweet.

Debemos evitar el exceso de trabajo para cuidar nuestra salud.

We must avoid overworking (an excess of work) to take care of our health.

Using 'de' with Exceso

You almost always use the little connecting word 'de' (of) after 'exceso' to show what there is too much of: 'exceso de sal' (excess of salt).

Translating 'Too much'

Mistake: “Using 'demasiado' directly as a noun: 'Hay demasiado en la mesa.'”

Correction: Use 'exceso' when talking about the quantity itself: 'Hay un exceso de cosas en la mesa.' ('Demasiado' is usually an adjective or adverb.)

sobra

SOH-brahˈso.βɾa

nounB1general
Choose 'sobra' to talk about a general surplus, remainder, or something left over after use, like extra food or resources.
A clear, rectangular plastic container filled with saved dinner food, such as rice and chicken, sitting inside an open refrigerator.

Examples

¿Puedes empacar las sobras de la cena?

Can you pack up the leftovers from dinner?

No me gusta comer las sobras al día siguiente.

I don't like eating leftovers the next day.

La sobra de tela se puede usar para un parche.

The excess fabric can be used for a patch.

Plural Form is Standard

When talking about leftover food, you almost always use the plural form: 'las sobras' (the leftovers), even if it's just a small amount.

abuso

ah-BOO-sohaˈβuso

nounB1general
Use 'abuso' when the excess involves misuse, harmful overuse, or taking advantage of something, often with negative health or ethical implications.
A storybook illustration showing a child carelessly wasting water from an overflowing faucet, letting it run onto the ground while ignoring a thirsty potted plant nearby.

Examples

El abuso de antibióticos puede ser peligroso.

The overuse of antibiotics can be dangerous.

Hay un abuso de sal en esta sopa.

There is an excessive amount (overuse) of salt in this soup.

Using 'de' with Abuso

You almost always use the small connecting word 'de' (of) after 'abuso' to specify what is being misused: 'abuso de poder' (abuse of power), 'abuso de drogas' (drug abuse).

sobredosis

soh-breh-DOH-seessoβɾeˈðosis

nounB2general
Employ 'sobredosis' specifically when referring to an excessive amount of something, particularly medication or information, that can be harmful or overwhelming.
A small, simple figure sitting at a wooden desk, completely submerged beneath towering, colorful stacks of books, papers, and folders, symbolizing information overload.

Examples

Después de tres horas de noticias, tuve una sobredosis de información política.

After three hours of news, I had an overdose of political information.

La película era una sobredosis de efectos especiales y poco argumento.

The movie was an overload of special effects and little plot.

Figurative Use

You can use 'sobredosis' with the preposition 'de' (of) to describe an unwanted excess of almost anything, like 'una sobredosis de reuniones' (an overdose of meetings).

borrachera

bo-rrah-cheh-rahboraˈtʃeɾa

nounC1informal
Use 'borrachera' metaphorically to describe a spree or an overwhelming abundance of something positive or exciting, like goals in a game or a period of success.
A person happily carrying a massive, overflowing stack of colorful shopping bags to represent a burst of activity.

Examples

El equipo vivió una borrachera de goles en el segundo tiempo.

The team experienced a goal spree in the second half.

Tras el estreno, el director sintió una borrachera de éxito.

After the premiere, the director felt a high from the success.

Metaphorical use

This word functions just like 'drunk with power' in English, but it can apply to almost any noun following the word 'de'.

lujuria

loo-HOO-ryahluˈxu.ɾja

nounB2literary
This word is rarely used for 'excess' in modern Spanish and is primarily found in historical or literary contexts to describe overwhelming abundance, often with a moral or religious connotation.
A vibrant illustration of a glowing red heart surrounded by swirling, warm flames on a simple background.

Examples

En la Divina Comedia, Dante describe el castigo por la lujuria.

In the Divine Comedy, Dante describes the punishment for lust.

Sus ojos se llenaron de lujuria al ver las joyas sobre la mesa.

His eyes filled with a greedy lust upon seeing the jewels on the table.

Ella cree que la lujuria es una emoción natural pero peligrosa.

She believes that lust is a natural but dangerous emotion.

Always Feminine

Lujuria is always a feminine noun. Even if you are talking about a man's desire, you must use 'la' or 'una' (e.g., 'la lujuria de él').

Abstract Use

Like many abstract concepts in Spanish, we usually use the definite article 'la' before it when speaking generally, such as saying 'La lujuria es...' instead of just 'Lujuria es...'.

Lujuria vs. Lujo

Mistake: “Using 'lujuria' to describe an expensive lifestyle.”

Correction: Use 'lujo' for luxury (fancy cars, hotels) and 'lujuria' for lust (internal desire). Saying 'Vivo en la lujuria' sounds like you live in a den of sin, not a mansion!

Confusing 'Exceso' with 'Sobra'

Learners often confuse 'exceso' and 'sobra'. Remember that 'exceso' implies an amount beyond what's allowed or necessary, often with a negative connotation, while 'sobra' simply refers to a remainder or surplus, like leftovers.

Related Translations

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