Não gosto

You will mostly use this followed by the preposition de (or its contractions like do or da). For example, you don't just say Não gosto pizza; you say Não gosto de pizza. If someone asks if you like something that was just mentioned, you can simply say Não gosto or Não gosto, não. Adding that second não at the end is a very common way to add emphasis in Brazil. It makes you sound much more like a local.

Use it whenever you need to set a boundary or share an opinion. At a restaurant, if a waiter offers you sparkling water and you prefer still, this is your phrase. When a friend suggests a horror movie and you're a scaredy-cat, use it. It is also perfectly fine in professional settings when discussing a project proposal that doesn't sit right with you. It is honest and clear.

Avoid using it if you want to be extremely delicate or indirect. While not rude, it is very definitive. If a host spent five hours cooking a specific dish, saying Não gosto might feel a bit like a cold splash of water. In those cases, you might want to soften it with Não é o meu preferido (It's not my favorite). Also, don't use it to mean 'I don't love' in a romantic sense; that requires different verbs like amar or querer.

Portuguese speakers, especially in Brazil, tend to be very expressive but also value social harmony. However, when it comes to personal tastes—especially food and football—they are incredibly honest. There is no shame in saying Não gosto. Interestingly, in Portugal, the phrase might come across as slightly more blunt than in Brazil, where people might wrap it in a few more words to keep the 'vibe' positive. In both places, though, it is the standard way to express a negative preference.

• Não gosto muito: 'I don't like it very much' (softens the blow).
• Não gosto nada: 'I don't like it at all' (adds strong emphasis).
• Eu não gosto: Adding the 'I' for extra clarity or contrast.
• Não curto: A more slang-heavy version, like 'I'm not into it' or 'I don't dig it'.