Gostar (to like) in Portuguese

Overview

Gostar (to like) (O Verbo Gostar) is a beginner (CEFR A1) topic in Portuguese grammar. Regular verb 'gostar' always followed by 'de': gostar de + noun/infinitive. Unlike Spanish gustar, it conjugates normally with subject doing the liking.

Understanding gostar (to like) is essential for building correct Portuguese sentences and communicating effectively. This concept is introduced at the A1 level and forms part of the foundation for more advanced grammar structures.

Whether you are learning Brazilian or European Portuguese, mastering gostar (to like) will significantly improve your ability to express yourself naturally and accurately in a variety of contexts.

How It Works

Conjugation of gostar (regular -AR):

Person	Form	Example
eu	gosto	Gosto de pizza.
tu	gostas	Gostas de filmes?
ele/ela	gosta	Gosta de viajar.
nos	gostamos	Gostamos do frio.
eles/elas	gostam	Gostam de Portugal.

Always followed by de:

• gostar de + noun: Gosto de cafe. (contraction: gosto do cafe)
• gostar de + infinitive: Gosto de nadar.

Degree: gostar muito de (really like), adorar (love, no de), nao gostar nada de (not like at all).

Examples in Context

Portuguese	English	Note
Gosto de pizza.	I like pizza.
Gostas de filmes?	Do you like movies?
Ele gosta de viajar.	He likes to travel.
Não gostamos do frio.	We don't like the cold.
Gostas de desporto?	Do you like sports?
Nao gostamos do frio.	We do not like cold.
Gostaram da comida?	Did you like the food?
Gostava de ir.	I would like to go.	polite
Gosto muito de ti.	I like you a lot.

Common Mistakes

Applying wrong conjugation endings

• Wrong: Mixing up verb class endings (-AR/-ER/-IR)
• Right: Identify the verb class from the infinitive and apply the correct endings
• Why: Each verb class has distinct personal endings that must be kept separate.

Forgetting preposition requirements

• Wrong: Omitting required prepositions after certain verbs
• Right: Learn verbs together with their required prepositions
• Why: Many Portuguese verbs require specific prepositions that differ from English patterns.

Regularizing irregular forms

• Wrong: Applying regular patterns to an irregular verb
• Right: Check whether a verb is irregular before conjugating
• Why: Common verbs often have irregular forms that must be memorized.

Usage Notes

This concept appears across both Brazilian and European Portuguese, though specific usage patterns may differ between the two variants. At the A1 level, focus on understanding the core patterns before worrying about regional differences.

In everyday conversation, gostar (to like) is used frequently in both formal and informal contexts. Pay attention to how native speakers use it in the media you consume, and note any differences between Brazilian and Portuguese sources.

Practice Tips

1. Practice gostar (to like) with authentic Portuguese texts, listening for how native speakers use these forms in context.
2. Create flashcards with complete example sentences rather than isolated words to reinforce natural patterns.
3. Write short paragraphs using gostar (to like) and compare them with native-written texts to identify areas for improvement.

Related Concepts

• Prerequisite: Regular -AR Verbs -- provides the foundational knowledge needed for gostar (to like)