Portuguese Phrase
Todos os líquidos devem ter 100 ml ou menos.
Meaning
The sentence states a rule: every liquid item must not exceed a volume of 100 millilitres. It is a typical phrasing found in security or regulatory contexts.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are explaining a restriction on the size of liquid containers, such as at airport security checkpoints, train stations, or when describing a company policy on allowed beverages.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Todososlíquidosdevemter100mloumenos
Quantifier + Definite Article
"Todos os" means “all the”. The quantifier "todos" must agree in gender and number with the noun and is followed by the definite article.
Noun Plural
"líquidos" is the plural form of "líquido" (liquid). In Portuguese, most nouns add -s to become plural.
Verb ‘dever’ (must/should)
"devem" is the third‑person plural present of the modal verb "dever", used to express obligation.
Infinitive after modal
After a modal verb like "dever", the main verb stays in the infinitive – here, "ter" (to have).
Numeral + Unit
"100 ml" is a numeric expression; the unit "ml" (mililitros) is not declined.
Comparative "ou menos"
"ou menos" means “or less”. It follows the quantity to indicate a maximum limit.
🗨In Conversation
Você pode levar essa garrafa de água?
Can I bring this water bottle?
Não, todos os líquidos devem ter 100 ml ou menos.
No, all liquids must be 100 ml or less.
✕Common Mistakes
Todos os líquidos tem 100 ml ou menos.
The verb must agree with the plural subject; use "devem" (or "têm" only in a different construction).
Todos os líquidos devem ter menos de 100 ml.
When the limit is expressed as a maximum, "ou menos" is preferred after a numeric value; "menos de" changes the meaning to "less than" and can be ambiguous.
↔Alternatives
Todos os líquidos precisam ter no máximo 100 ml.
All liquids need to be at most 100 ml.
É permitido levar líquidos de até 100 ml.
It is allowed to bring liquids up to 100 ml.
Nenhum líquido pode exceder 100 ml.
No liquid may exceed 100 ml.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, as in most countries, airport security follows the 100 ml rule for liquids in hand luggage. The phrase is often heard in Portuguese announcements and signage, so knowing it helps travelers avoid delays. The wording can vary slightly (e.g., "no máximo" vs. "ou menos"), but the meaning stays the same.