Definition
Full; having no empty space left, or containing a large amount of something.
Example
O ônibus estava cheio e não cabia mais ninguém.
Show translation
The bus was full and there was no room for anyone else.
Etymology
From Latin *plenus* ("full"), which became *plenu* in Vulgar Latin and evolved through *cheio* in Portuguese via the regular palatalization of /pl/ to /ʃ/. The same Latin root gives English "plenty" and Spanish *lleno*.
Cultural note
Brazilians use *cheio* far beyond physical fullness. "Estou cheio de trabalho" (I'm swamped with work) and "Estou cheio disso!" (I've had it with this!) are everyday expressions. A particularly Brazilian flavour: "cheio de si" means someone is full of themselves — arrogant or conceited — a phrase you'll hear often in casual conversation.