gostar
/ɡosˈta(ʁ)/
The English phrase 'like' (to find something or someone pleasant) is translated to Portuguese as gostar.
The verb gostar is used when you find something or someone appealing. Depending on the context, other words may be used to express the concept of 'like' in different ways: Tipo acts as a filler word or expresses approximation, similar to how 'like' is used in English. Assim can mean 'like this' or 'like that' and often functions as a filler. For comparisons, you can use como to compare two things, igual in a comparative sense, parecido to mean 'similar' or 'like', tal como for 'just like', do mesmo jeito for 'in the same way' or 'just like that' or à maneira de for 'in the manner of'. To describe a situation as if it were something else, use como se.
Which one should you use?
While gostar expresses a general preference or liking, the verb querer is used when expressing more direct or immediate desires ('to want').
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb gostar requires the preposition de before the object being liked. To express 'would like' for the purpose of making requests or desires more polite, use the conditional form gostaria.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡosˈta(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- While gostar means 'to like', it is often used in Brazil to express romantic interest. Saying Eu gosto de você can be a subtle way of confessing a crush before using the stronger verb amar.
- The verb gostar shares its roots with the English word 'gusto' and the Latin 'gustare', which means 'to taste'.
- In Portuguese, you cannot simply say Eu gosto to mean 'I like it'. Because gostar always requires the preposition de, you must add a pronoun like disso to complete the thought.
Examples in context
- Gostaria de te ver.I'd like to see you.This sentence shows how to use gostar to express a desire to see someone.Tatoeba #6959254 by Ricardo14, translation #3123549 by chajadan
- Você gostaria de ir?Would you like to go?This sentence demonstrates a polite way to ask if someone would like to go using gostar.Tatoeba #1331743 by alexmarcelo, translation #69445 by CK
- Gostaria de um café.I'd like to have a coffee.This sentence illustrates using gostar to politely request a coffee.Tatoeba #1396652 by alexmarcelo, translation #62269 by CK
- Eu me sinto feliz como uma borboleta.I feel happy like a butterfly.
- Sua risada é igual à de uma criança.Your laughter is like that of a child.
- Eu gosto de sorvete.I like ice cream.
- 2015 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gostar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gostar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
