How to Say "to exceed" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to exceed” is “exceder” — use 'exceder' when referring to going beyond a specific limit, quantity, or boundary, like speed limits or budget constraints.
exceder
ek-seh-DEHRekseˈðeɾ
Examples
No debes exceder el límite de velocidad.
You must not exceed the speed limit.
Los gastos excedieron nuestro presupuesto mensual.
The expenses exceeded our monthly budget.
El peso de la maleta no puede exceder los veinte kilos.
The suitcase weight cannot go over twenty kilos.
Direct Action
Unlike some verbs that need a small word like 'a' or 'de' after them, 'exceder' usually goes straight to the object. For example: 'exceder la velocidad' (exceed the speed).
Confusing with Success
Mistake: “Using 'exceder' to mean 'to succeed' (e.g., 'Él excedió en el examen').”
Correction: Use 'tener éxito' for success. 'Exceder' only means going beyond a certain point or amount.
rebasar
ray-bah-SARrebaˈsaɾ
Examples
El precio del alquiler no debe rebasar los 800 euros.
The rent price must not exceed 800 euros.
Su talento rebasa todo lo que hemos visto antes.
His talent surpasses everything we have seen before.
La demanda de entradas rebasó la oferta disponible.
The demand for tickets exceeded the available supply.
Abstract Limits
You can use this word for abstract things like 'patience' or 'capacity' to show that someone has reached their breaking point.
sobrepasar
so-bre-pa-SARsoβɾepaˈsaɾ
Examples
No debes sobrepasar el límite de velocidad.
You should not exceed the speed limit.
El coche azul sobrepasó al camión en la autopista.
The blue car overtook the truck on the highway.
Tus resultados sobrepasaron nuestras expectativas.
Your results surpassed our expectations.
The Power of 'Sobre-'
The prefix 'sobre-' means 'over' or 'above.' Combined with 'pasar' (to pass), it literally creates the meaning of 'passing over' or 'passing beyond' a point.
Using 'a' with People
When you are overtaking a person or a specific living thing, remember to add 'a' after the verb: 'Sobrepasó a su rival' (He overtook his rival).
Overpassing vs. Just Passing
Mistake: “Using 'sobrepasar' when you just want to say you walked past a building.”
Correction: Use 'pasar por delante de' for walking past something. Use 'sobrepasar' when there is a sense of overcoming a limit or a competitor.
superar
soo-peh-RAHRsu.peˈɾaɾ
Examples
El equipo superó el récord de puntos del año pasado.
The team surpassed last year's point record.
Su actuación superó todas nuestras expectativas.
Her performance exceeded all our expectations.
La demanda de este producto ha superado la oferta disponible.
The demand for this product has exceeded the available supply.
Comparison Structure
When comparing two things, 'superar' means the first thing is better than the second: 'A supera a B' (A surpasses B).
desbordar
des-bor-dardezβoɾˈðaɾ
Examples
Ella desborda alegría cada vez que nos ve.
She overflows with joy every time she sees us.
La situación desbordó a los organizadores del evento.
The situation overwhelmed the event organizers.
Su talento desbordó todas nuestras expectativas.
His talent exceeded all of our expectations.
Desbordar as 'Surpassing'
When you say a situation 'desborda' someone, it means the person can no longer control or manage it.
traspasar
trahs-pah-SAHRtɾaspaˈsaɾ
Examples
Has traspasado los límites de mi paciencia.
You have exceeded the limits of my patience.
Ningún ciudadano debe traspasar la ley.
No citizen should violate the law.
Ese comportamiento traspasa lo aceptable.
That behavior goes beyond what is acceptable.
Abstract Boundaries
Use this word when talking about invisible lines, like moral standards or laws, that someone has crossed.
Using 'cruzar' instead
Mistake: “Using 'cruzar' for breaking a law.”
Correction: Say 'traspasar la ley' to sound more professional and accurate.
Exceder vs. Superar
Related Translations
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