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A1 noun #1,000 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

Gosto

Top 1,000

At the A1 beginner level, the noun 'gosto' is introduced primarily in the context of food and basic sensory experiences. Learners are taught that 'gosto' translates to 'taste' and is used to describe whether food or drink is pleasant or unpleasant. The most critical grammatical structure taught at this stage is the combination of the verb 'ter' (to have) with 'gosto'. Instead of learning a specific verb for 'to taste' (intransitive), beginners learn to say 'A maçã tem um bom gosto' (The apple has a good taste). This avoids the common mistake of trying to use the verb 'gostar' incorrectly. At this level, vocabulary is kept simple, pairing 'gosto' with basic adjectives like 'bom' (good), 'mau' (bad), or 'doce' (sweet). Learners also practice distinguishing the noun 'o gosto' from the highly frequent verb 'eu gosto' (I like), which is a crucial hurdle in early Portuguese acquisition. Simple sentences like 'O bolo tem um gosto bom' are practiced repeatedly to build foundational confidence in expressing basic culinary observations.

Moving into the A2 elementary level, the usage of 'gosto' expands beyond simple food descriptions to include personal preferences and basic aesthetic judgments. Learners begin to use 'gosto' to talk about fashion, music, and general style. The phrase 'ter bom gosto' (to have good taste) is introduced as a way to compliment someone's choices in clothing or decoration. Sentences become slightly more complex, incorporating prepositions to specify the domain of taste, such as 'Ela tem bom gosto para a música' (She has good taste in music). Additionally, the concept of doing something 'com gosto' (with pleasure/gladly) is introduced, allowing learners to express willingness and positive emotion in their daily routines. For example, 'Eu ajudo com gosto' (I help gladly). At this stage, learners also encounter the plural form 'gostos' when discussing different hobbies or interests, enabling them to participate in simple conversations about what different people enjoy, thereby broadening their conversational repertoire.

At the B1 intermediate level, learners encounter 'gosto' in more idiomatic and culturally embedded contexts. The vocabulary surrounding the word becomes richer, incorporating a wider variety of adjectives like 'estranho' (strange), 'peculiar' (peculiar), or 'amargo' (bitter). A key cultural phrase introduced at this level is the proverb 'Gostos não se discutem' (Tastes are not to be argued over), which equips learners with a polite and culturally authentic way to navigate disagreements about preferences. The expression 'dar gosto' (to be a pleasure to see/experience) is also practiced, allowing students to express admiration for an action or situation, such as 'Dá gosto ver esta cidade limpa' (It's a pleasure to see this clean city). At B1, learners are expected to comfortably navigate the dual meanings of 'gosto'—both as a sensory flavor and an abstract aesthetic preference—without confusing it with the verb 'gostar', and they begin to understand the subtle differences between 'gosto' and its synonym 'sabor' in everyday conversation.

In the B2 upper-intermediate level, the use of 'gosto' becomes highly nuanced and abstract. Learners are expected to use the word effortlessly in discussions about art, literature, cultural trends, and complex aesthetic theories. The distinction between 'gosto' (everyday taste/preference) and 'sabor' (formal flavor) is fully solidified, and learners know exactly when to deploy each term. Vocabulary is expanded to include terms like 'mau gosto' (bad taste/tacky) used in social critiques. Students practice debating cultural topics, using 'gosto' to articulate sophisticated opinions on why a particular film or architectural style appeals to them or is considered culturally significant. The concept of 'gosto adquirido' (acquired taste) is introduced, allowing for discussions about things that take time to appreciate, such as strong coffee or complex jazz music. At this level, 'gosto' is a tool for expressing identity, cultural alignment, and refined personal judgment in fluent, spontaneous conversations.

At the C1 advanced level, 'gosto' is utilized with native-like precision in complex, abstract, and often literary contexts. Learners engage with texts and discussions that analyze the sociology of taste, exploring how 'gosto' is shaped by class, education, and cultural background. The word is used in sophisticated critiques of art and media, where phrases like 'de gosto duvidoso' (of questionable taste) or 'refinamento de gosto' (refinement of taste) are commonplace. Learners at this stage can easily comprehend and employ subtle idiomatic variations and regional nuances associated with the word. They can write essays or give presentations that dissect the concept of aesthetic value, using 'gosto' as a central thematic pillar. The ability to manipulate the word in rhetorical devices, irony, or subtle social commentary is a hallmark of C1 proficiency, demonstrating a deep, internalized understanding of Portuguese cultural and linguistic subtleties.

At the C2 mastery level, the understanding and application of 'gosto' are indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The word is manipulated effortlessly across all registers, from the most informal slang to the highest academic and philosophical discourse. C2 users can engage in deep philosophical debates about the nature of aesthetics, referencing historical shifts in 'gosto' (taste) across different artistic movements. They understand the etymological roots and the historical evolution of the word's usage in Portuguese literature. They can play with the word's multiple meanings—sensory, aesthetic, and emotional—within a single complex sentence to create poetic or rhetorical effects. At this ultimate level of proficiency, 'gosto' is not merely a vocabulary item to be translated, but a profound conceptual tool used to navigate and articulate the most intricate aspects of human experience, culture, and aesthetic philosophy in the Portuguese-speaking world.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Gosto en 30 secondes

Means 'taste' or 'flavor' of food.
Means 'preference' or 'style' in art/fashion.
Means 'pleasure' or 'willingness' (com gosto).
Always a masculine noun (o gosto).

The Portuguese noun 'gosto' is a fundamental vocabulary word that every learner must master early on. It primarily translates to 'taste' in English, but its applications are incredibly diverse and culturally significant. When we talk about 'gosto', we are often referring to the physical sense of taste, the flavor of food or drink that we consume daily.

Esta sopa tem um excelente gosto.

This physical sensation is the most literal interpretation of the word. However, the meaning of 'gosto' extends far beyond the culinary world. It is heavily used to describe personal preference, aesthetic judgment, and style.

Aesthetic Taste: Refers to one's ability to judge beauty, fashion, or art.

If someone has 'bom gosto', they have good taste; if they have 'mau gosto', they have bad taste. Understanding this dual nature is crucial. The word is also used to express pleasure or willingness to do something.

Eu faço isso com muito gosto.

In this context, 'com gosto' means 'with pleasure' or 'gladly'. This shows how 'gosto' bridges the gap between sensory experience and emotional response.

Pleasure/Willingness: Doing something 'com gosto' indicates enthusiasm and joy.

Furthermore, you will often hear 'gosto' in idiomatic expressions. For instance, 'dar gosto' means to be a pleasure to see or experience.

Dá gosto ver as crianças a brincar.

This phrase highlights the joy derived from an observation. The cultural importance of 'gosto' cannot be overstated. In Portuguese-speaking societies, having good taste is a mark of refinement and social awareness. Conversely, criticizing someone's 'gosto' can be seen as a direct attack on their character or upbringing. To navigate these social waters, Portuguese speakers often use the proverb 'gostos não se discutem', which translates to 'tastes are not to be argued over'.

Como diz o ditado, gostos não se discutem.

This is the perfect phrase to use when you want to politely acknowledge a difference of opinion without causing offense. It reflects a deep-seated cultural respect for individuality.

Cultural Proverb: 'Gostos não se discutem' is essential for polite disagreements.

As you integrate 'gosto' into your vocabulary, pay attention to its collocations. It frequently pairs with adjectives like 'bom', 'mau', 'estranho', 'forte', and 'suave'.

O café tem um gosto muito forte hoje.

By mastering these combinations, you will sound much more natural and fluent. Remember that 'gosto' is a masculine noun, so it is always preceded by 'o', 'um', 'do', 'no', or 'pelo'. This grammatical detail is small but vital for correct sentence construction. When comparing European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese, the usage of 'gosto' remains remarkably consistent, which is a relief for learners. Whether you are in Lisbon or São Paulo, complimenting a meal by praising its 'gosto' will be universally understood and appreciated. However, in Brazil, you might hear the word 'sabor' used slightly more often in formal culinary contexts, while 'gosto' retains its strong foothold in everyday, informal speech. Additionally, the plural form 'gostos' is frequently used when discussing a variety of preferences, such as in a survey or a dating profile where one lists their 'gostos e interesses' (tastes and interests). This pluralization emphasizes the multiplicity of human preference. Ultimately, the journey to mastering the Portuguese language is paved with words like 'gosto'—words that offer a window into the soul of the culture, revealing how its people perceive beauty, experience flavor, and interact with the world around them. Embrace the complexity of 'gosto', and you will find your conversations becoming deeper, more expressive, and infinitely more authentic.

Using the noun 'gosto' correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its grammatical properties and the specific verbs and prepositions it commonly pairs with. As a masculine noun, 'gosto' dictates the gender of the articles and adjectives that accompany it. You will always use 'o gosto' (the taste) or 'um gosto' (a taste).

O gosto desta maçã é doce.

When constructing sentences about flavor, the verb 'ter' (to have) is your most frequent companion. Instead of saying something 'tastes' a certain way using a specific verb for taste, Portuguese speakers say something 'has a taste'.

Verb Pairing: Use 'ter' (to have) to describe the flavor of food or drink.

For example, 'O bolo tem um gosto bom' translates literally to 'The cake has a good taste'. This structure is pervasive and essential for A1 learners to grasp immediately. When moving from the literal sense of flavor to the abstract sense of aesthetic preference, the verb 'ter' remains equally important.

Ela tem muito bom gosto para a moda.

Here, 'ter bom gosto' means 'to have good taste'. Notice the preposition 'para' (for) is often used to specify the domain of the good taste, such as 'para a moda' (for fashion) or 'para a música' (for music).

Specifying Preference: Use 'gosto para [noun]' to indicate the specific area of aesthetic judgment.

Another critical sentence structure involves the preposition 'com' (with). When you want to express that an action is done willingly, enthusiastically, or with pleasure, you use 'com gosto'.

Ele ajudou a limpar a casa com gosto.

This transforms the noun into an adverbial phrase of manner, equivalent to 'gladly' in English. Furthermore, the expression 'dar gosto' (to give pleasure/to be a joy) is a beautiful, native-sounding structure that elevates your Portuguese.

Dá gosto ouvir você cantar.

It is typically followed by an infinitive verb. In negative sentences, you might encounter 'sem gosto' (without taste/tasteless). This can apply to bland food or to something lacking aesthetic appeal.

A comida do hospital é totalmente sem gosto.

Negation: 'Sem gosto' is the standard way to say something is bland or lacks style.

It is also important to note the plural form 'gostos', which is used when discussing multiple preferences or varied aesthetic inclinations. You might say, 'Temos gostos muito diferentes' (We have very different tastes). This plural usage is common in comparative sentences where two or more people's preferences are being analyzed. When writing or speaking, remember that 'gosto' is a noun, and it should not be confused with the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'gostar' (eu gosto = I like). While they look and sound identical, their function in the sentence is entirely different. The noun 'gosto' will almost always be accompanied by an article (o, um), a preposition (com, sem), or an adjective (bom, mau), whereas the verb 'gosto' will be followed by the preposition 'de' (eu gosto de café). Mastering these sentence patterns will allow you to express a wide range of sensory and aesthetic experiences with confidence and grammatical accuracy, making your Portuguese sound natural and sophisticated.

The noun 'gosto' is omnipresent in the daily lives of Portuguese speakers, echoing through various environments from the bustling kitchens of local restaurants to the sophisticated galleries of contemporary art. Understanding where and how this word naturally occurs will help you anticipate its usage and respond appropriately. One of the most common places you will hear 'gosto' is, unsurprisingly, at the dining table.

Que gosto maravilhoso tem este prato!

Whether you are in a traditional 'tasca' in Lisbon or a vibrant 'churrascaria' in Rio de Janeiro, discussions about the flavor of the food are inevitable.

Culinary Context: Used extensively to critique or praise the flavor profile of meals.

Chefs, home cooks, and food critics alike rely on 'gosto' to articulate the success or failure of a recipe. You might hear a mother telling her child, 'Prova, tem um gosto muito bom' (Taste it, it has a very good taste). Beyond the realm of food, 'gosto' is a staple in the world of fashion and retail. When shopping for clothes, furniture, or home decor, the concept of 'bom gosto' (good taste) is a frequent topic of conversation.

Esta loja tem roupas de muito bom gosto.

Sales assistants might flatter a customer by praising their 'gosto' when they select a particularly elegant item.

Retail & Fashion: Employed to describe the aesthetic quality of clothing and design.

Similarly, in interior design, a well-appointed room is often described as having been decorated 'com muito gosto' (with a lot of taste).

A sala foi decorada com extremo gosto.

You will also encounter 'gosto' in social settings where opinions on art, music, and cinema are being exchanged. Friends debating the merits of a new movie might say, 'Não faz o meu gosto' (It's not to my taste), indicating a personal aesthetic divergence.

Esse tipo de música não é do meu gosto.

In professional or formal environments, 'gosto' can be used to express satisfaction with a job well done. A manager might say, 'É com muito gosto que anuncio esta promoção' (It is with great pleasure that I announce this promotion).

Formal Announcements: 'Com gosto' translates to 'with pleasure' in formal speech.

This usage highlights the word's capacity to convey positive emotion and willingness. Furthermore, in everyday casual interactions, the phrase 'dá gosto' is frequently heard when observing something heartwarming or impressive, such as a beautifully maintained garden or a child reciting a poem perfectly.

Dá gosto ver um trabalho tão bem feito.

By paying attention to these diverse contexts—from the sensory evaluation of food to the abstract appreciation of art and the formal expression of pleasure—you will realize that 'gosto' is not just a vocabulary word, but a cultural touchstone that facilitates a wide array of human connections and expressions in the Portuguese-speaking world.

When learning the Portuguese word 'gosto', English speakers frequently stumble upon a few specific linguistic traps. The most prevalent and confusing mistake stems from the fact that 'gosto' is a homonym. It is both a masculine noun meaning 'taste' or 'preference', and the first-person singular present indicative conjugation of the verb 'gostar' (to like).

Eu gosto do gosto deste bolo.

In the sentence above, the first 'gosto' is the verb (I like), and the second 'gosto' is the noun (the taste).

Noun vs. Verb: Never confuse the noun 'o gosto' with the verb 'eu gosto'. They function differently.

Learners often mix these up, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences. For instance, a beginner might try to say 'I have a good taste' by saying 'Eu gosto um bom', which is nonsensical in Portuguese. The correct phrase is 'Eu tenho bom gosto'. Another common error involves the direct translation of the English verb 'to taste'. In English, you can say 'The soup tastes good'.

A sopa tem um bom gosto.

Learners often try to invent a verb form, saying something like 'A sopa gosta bem', which is entirely wrong. In Portuguese, food does not 'taste'; rather, it 'has a taste'. You must use the verb 'ter' (to have) combined with the noun 'gosto'.

Translating 'To Taste': Always use 'ter um gosto' instead of trying to use 'gostar' as an intransitive verb for food.

Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the prepositions that follow 'gosto' when referring to aesthetic preferences. When you want to say someone has good taste *in* clothes, the English preposition 'in' might tempt you to use 'em' in Portuguese. However, the correct preposition is 'para' (for).

Ele tem bom gosto para roupas.

Saying 'bom gosto em roupas' sounds slightly unnatural to a native ear, though it might be understood. Another subtle mistake is the overuse of 'sabor' instead of 'gosto' in casual conversation. While 'sabor' (flavor) is perfectly correct and often synonymous with 'gosto' in culinary contexts, 'gosto' is generally preferred in everyday, informal speech. Using 'sabor' too frequently can make your Portuguese sound overly formal or slightly academic.

O gosto da vitória é doce.

Gosto vs. Sabor: Prefer 'gosto' for casual speech and 'sabor' for formal or culinary descriptions.

Finally, learners sometimes forget that 'gosto' can mean 'pleasure' or 'willingness'. When someone says 'Faço isso com gosto', a beginner might be confused, wondering what 'taste' has to do with doing a favor.

Trabalho aqui com muito gosto.

Recognizing this secondary meaning is vital for full comprehension. By being aware of these common pitfalls—distinguishing the noun from the verb, using 'ter' for flavors, selecting the right prepositions, balancing it with 'sabor', and recognizing its meaning as 'pleasure'—you will significantly improve your accuracy and sound much more like a native Portuguese speaker.

Expanding your vocabulary means understanding not just a word, but its neighborhood of synonyms and related terms. For the noun 'gosto', several alternatives exist, each carrying its own specific nuance and appropriate context. The most direct and common synonym for 'gosto' in the culinary sense is 'sabor' (flavor).

Sabor: Translates to 'flavor'. It is slightly more formal and is frequently used in gastronomy, food packaging, and professional culinary critiques. While 'gosto' is everyday speech, 'sabor' elevates the register.

For example, a potato chip bag will advertise 'sabor a queijo' (cheese flavor), not 'gosto a queijo'. Another related word is 'paladar' (palate).

Paladar: Refers to the physical sense of taste or a refined ability to judge flavors. It is used when discussing someone's sophisticated ability to taste wine or complex dishes.

You might say, 'Ele tem um paladar muito refinado' (He has a very refined palate). When 'gosto' is used to mean aesthetic preference, a great alternative is 'preferência' (preference).

Preferência: A direct translation of 'preference'. It is used when discussing choices between different options, whether in art, food, or lifestyle.

If you want to ask someone what they like more formally, you might ask about their 'preferências' rather than their 'gostos'. In the realm of fashion and design, 'estilo' (style) is often used interchangeably with 'bom gosto'.

Estilo: Means 'style'. While 'gosto' is the judgment, 'estilo' is the execution or the specific aesthetic category.

Saying someone has 'muito estilo' (a lot of style) is a compliment closely related to saying they have 'bom gosto'. When 'gosto' translates to pleasure or willingness (as in 'com gosto'), synonyms include 'prazer' (pleasure) and 'vontade' (will/desire).

Prazer: Means 'pleasure'. Doing something 'com prazer' is virtually identical to doing it 'com gosto'. It conveys a strong sense of enjoyment and willingness.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to vary your speech and choose the exact word that fits the formality and specific nuance of the situation. While 'gosto' is an excellent, versatile, all-purpose word, knowing when to deploy 'sabor' for a gourmet meal, 'paladar' for a wine tasting, 'preferência' in a formal survey, or 'prazer' when expressing joy, will mark you as an advanced and sensitive speaker of the Portuguese language. It prevents your vocabulary from sounding repetitive and demonstrates a deep engagement with the cultural and linguistic subtleties of the language. Always consider the context: is it physical, aesthetic, or emotional? Choose your synonym accordingly to achieve the most precise and elegant expression possible.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"A curadoria da exposição revela um gosto estético irrepreensível."

Neutre

"Esta sopa tem um gosto muito bom."

Informel

"Essa tua camisa é de muito mau gosto, cara!"

Child friendly

"Come a fruta, tem um gosto docinho!"

Argot

"Isso aí não é pro meu bico, não faz meu gosto."

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'disgust' shares the exact same Latin root ('dis-' meaning opposite + 'gustus' meaning taste). So, 'disgusting' literally means 'having a bad taste'!

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈɡoʃ.tu/

US /ˈɡos.tu/

GOS-to (Stress is on the first syllable 'gos').

Rime avec

rosto posto imposto composto disposto agosto pressuposto oposto

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the final 'o' as a full 'oh' sound instead of reducing it to 'u'.
In European Portuguese, failing to pronounce the 's' as 'sh' (/ʃ/).
Confusing the pronunciation of the noun 'gosto' (close 'o' /o/) with the verb form 'gosto' (open 'o' /ɔ/ in some dialects, though often identical in standard PT).
Placing the stress on the final syllable (gos-TO) instead of the first.
Adding a vowel sound before the 'g', making it sound like 'igosto'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize, but context is needed to know if it means flavor or preference.

Écriture 3/5

Requires knowing the correct prepositions (para, a, de) and verbs (ter, dar) to use it naturally.

Expression orale 4/5

High risk of confusing the noun 'gosto' with the verb 'eu gosto' during spontaneous speech.

Écoute 3/5

The pronunciation is simple, but distinguishing the noun from the verb in fast speech takes practice.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

bom mau ter com sem

Apprends ensuite

sabor paladar preferência gostar gostoso

Avancé

estético refinamento insípido degustação peculiar

Grammaire à connaître

Using 'ter' for physical attributes

A sopa tem um bom gosto. (Not: A sopa gosta bem).

Preposition 'para' for domains of preference

Ele tem bom gosto para a música. (Not: em a música).

Adverbial phrases of manner with 'com'

Eu trabalho com gosto. (Functions like an adverb).

Noun vs. Verb identification

O gosto (noun with article) vs. Eu gosto (verb with pronoun).

Impersonal use of 'dar'

Dá gosto ver. (It gives pleasure to see).

Exemples par niveau

A sopa tem um bom gosto.

The soup has a good taste.

Use 'ter' (to have) + 'gosto' to describe flavor.

O gosto do bolo é doce.

The taste of the cake is sweet.

'O gosto' is the masculine subject of the sentence.

Eu não gosto deste gosto.

I don't like this taste.

Notice the verb 'gosto' (I like) vs the noun 'gosto' (taste).

A maçã tem um gosto mau.

The apple has a bad taste.

'Mau' is the adjective modifying 'gosto'.

Que gosto tem o sumo?

What taste does the juice have?

Question structure using 'Que gosto'.

O café não tem gosto.

The coffee has no taste.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

Este peixe tem um gosto forte.

This fish has a strong taste.

Adjective 'forte' follows the noun.

O gosto da água é bom.

The taste of the water is good.

'Da' is the contraction of 'de' + 'a'.

Ela tem muito bom gosto para roupas.

She has very good taste in clothes.

Use 'para' to specify the area of good taste.

Eu faço o jantar com gosto.

I make dinner with pleasure.

'Com gosto' means gladly or with pleasure.

Os nossos gostos são diferentes.

Our tastes are different.

Plural form 'gostos' used for preferences.

Ele comprou um carro de mau gosto.

He bought a car in bad taste.

'De mau gosto' acts as an adjectival phrase.

A casa foi decorada com gosto.

The house was decorated with taste.

'Com gosto' implies aesthetic quality here.

Qual é o teu gosto musical?

What is your musical taste?

'Gosto' paired with a specific adjective 'musical'.

O chá tem um gosto a limão.

The tea has a lemon taste.

'Gosto a' indicates the specific flavor profile.

Dá gosto ver o jardim assim.

It's a pleasure to see the garden like this.

'Dá gosto' + infinitive verb.

Como dizem, gostos não se discutem.

As they say, tastes are not to be argued over.

Common cultural proverb using the reflexive passive.

O filme é de um gosto duvidoso.

The movie is of questionable taste.

'Gosto duvidoso' is a common collocation for critique.

Aquele quadro não faz o meu gosto.

That painting is not to my taste.

Idiomatic expression 'fazer o gosto'.

É um gosto adquirido com o tempo.

It is an acquired taste over time.

'Gosto adquirido' translates directly to acquired taste.

Trabalhar aqui é um verdadeiro gosto.

Working here is a true pleasure.

'Gosto' used as a synonym for 'prazer' (pleasure).

A comida deixou um gosto amargo na boca.

The food left a bitter taste in the mouth.

Literal and figurative use of 'gosto amargo'.

Eles partilham os mesmos gostos literários.

They share the same literary tastes.

Plural 'gostos' with a specific category.

Foi uma piada de muito mau gosto.

It was a joke in very bad taste.

Used to describe inappropriate social behavior.

A exposição reflete o gosto refinado do curador.

The exhibition reflects the curator's refined taste.

'Gosto refinado' indicates high aesthetic standards.

O seu gosto pela aventura levou-o a viajar.

His taste for adventure led him to travel.

'Gosto por' means a fondness or inclination for something.

A arquitetura do edifício apela ao gosto moderno.

The building's architecture appeals to modern taste.

'Gosto' representing a collective aesthetic trend.

Ela tem um gosto peculiar, mas fascinante.

She has a peculiar, but fascinating taste.

Using advanced adjectives to describe preference.

O crítico elogiou o bom gosto da encenação.

The critic praised the good taste of the staging.

'Bom gosto' applied to professional artistic execution.

Fazer voluntariado dá-lhe um gosto imenso.

Volunteering gives him immense pleasure.

'Dar um gosto' meaning to provide deep satisfaction.

A mistura de sabores criou um gosto exótico.

The mixture of flavors created an exotic taste.

Distinguishing 'sabores' (ingredients) from the final 'gosto'.

O design peca por falta de gosto.

The design fails due to a lack of taste.

'Falta de gosto' implies aesthetic failure.

A evolução do gosto público dita as tendências do mercado.

The evolution of public taste dictates market trends.

'Gosto público' refers to sociological preferences.

O romance é uma sátira aos gostos burgueses da época.

The novel is a satire of the bourgeois tastes of the time.

Plural 'gostos' used in a sociological/historical context.

Há uma linha ténue entre a excentricidade e o mau gosto.

There is a fine line between eccentricity and bad taste.

Abstract philosophical discussion of aesthetics.

A sua intervenção foi, no mínimo, de um gosto questionável.

His intervention was, to say the least, of questionable taste.

Diplomatic way of criticizing inappropriate behavior.

O chef brinca com a memória do gosto na sua ementa.

The chef plays with the memory of taste in his menu.

'Memória do gosto' is a sophisticated culinary concept.

Cultivar o gosto pela leitura é essencial na infância.

Cultivating a taste for reading is essential in childhood.

'Cultivar o gosto' means to develop an appreciation.

A obra desafia os cânones do bom gosto tradicional.

The work challenges the canons of traditional good taste.

Academic phrasing for art critique.

O seu paladar deteta nuances que escapam ao gosto comum.

His palate detects nuances that escape the common taste.

Contrasting 'paladar' (expert) with 'gosto comum' (layman).

A sociologia de Bourdieu analisa como o gosto legitima as desigualdades sociais.

Bourdieu's sociology analyzes how taste legitimizes social inequalities.

'Gosto' used as a strict sociological construct.

O conceito de gosto kantiano pressupõe uma universalidade subjetiva.

The Kantian concept of taste presupposes a subjective universality.

Philosophical application of the term.

A efemeridade do gosto contemporâneo torna a crítica de arte um exercício volátil.

The ephemerality of contemporary taste makes art criticism a volatile exercise.

Complex sentence structure discussing aesthetic trends.

O seu ensaio disseca a anatomia do mau gosto na cultura pop.

His essay dissects the anatomy of bad taste in pop culture.

Academic critique using 'mau gosto'.

A transmutação do gosto ao longo dos séculos reflete a psique coletiva.

The transmutation of taste over the centuries reflects the collective psyche.

Highly elevated, literary vocabulary.

Ele pauta a sua vida por um estoicismo de gosto irrepreensível.

He guides his life by a stoicism of irreproachable taste.

'Gosto irrepreensível' meaning flawless aesthetic and moral judgment.

A dialética entre o gosto popular e a alta cultura é o cerne da sua tese.

The dialectic between popular taste and high culture is the core of his thesis.

Contrasting 'gosto popular' with high culture.

A obra é um testamento à perenidade do verdadeiro gosto estético.

The work is a testament to the perennity of true aesthetic taste.

'Gosto estético' used in a definitive, enduring sense.

Collocations courantes

bom gosto

mau gosto

ter gosto

dar gosto

com gosto

gosto adquirido

sem gosto

gosto duvidoso

gosto amargo

gosto musical

Phrases Courantes

Gostos não se discutem

Fazer o gosto a alguém

Tomar o gosto a

De bom gosto

De mau gosto

Ter gosto em

Para todos os gostos

A meu gosto

Perder o gosto

Ao gosto de

Souvent confondu avec

Gosto vs gostar (verb)

'Gosto' is the noun (taste), while 'gosto' is also the 'I' form of the verb 'gostar' (I like). Look for articles (o gosto) vs pronouns/prepositions (eu gosto de).

Gosto vs sabor

'Sabor' strictly means flavor and is more formal. 'Gosto' means flavor but also aesthetic preference and pleasure.

Gosto vs gasto

'Gasto' means 'spent' or 'worn out'. It differs by only one vowel but has a completely different meaning.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Cair no gosto popular"

To become very popular or widely liked by the general public.

A nova música caiu no gosto popular rapidamente.

Neutral

"Gosto não se discute, lamenta-se"

A humorous variation of 'gostos não se discutem', implying the other person's taste is so bad it's a pity.

Ele comprou aquela camisa verde fluorescente... gosto não se discute, lamenta-se.

Informal/Humorous

"Ficar com um gosto amargo na boca"

To be left with a feeling of regret, disappointment, or resentment after an event.

A discussão deixou-me com um gosto amargo na boca.

Figurative/Neutral

"Ter o gosto da vitória"

To experience the sweet feeling of winning or succeeding.

Finalmente, a equipa sentiu o gosto da vitória.

Figurative/Neutral

"Deixar um bom gosto"

To leave a good impression.

A atitude dele deixou um bom gosto a todos.

Figurative/Neutral

"Pelo gosto da coisa"

Doing something just for the fun or pleasure of it, without external reward.

Ele pinta apenas pelo gosto da coisa.

Informal

"Não ser do meu gosto"

A polite way of saying you don't like something.

Agradeço o convite, mas ópera não é do meu gosto.

Formal/Polite

"Gosto de cabo de guarda-chuva"

A very bad, metallic, or strange taste in the mouth.

Acordei com um gosto de cabo de guarda-chuva na boca.

Informal (Brazilian)

"Pegar o gosto"

To acquire a habit or a liking for an activity.

Ele começou a ler e pegou o gosto.

Informal

"Dar o gosto ao dedo"

To pull the trigger (literally) or to finally do something you've been wanting to do (figuratively).

Ele estava ansioso por dar o gosto ao dedo e comprar o carro.

Informal/Slang

Facile à confondre

Gosto vs gostar

The 1st person singular conjugation 'eu gosto' is spelled and pronounced exactly like the noun 'o gosto'.

'Gostar' is an action (to like) and requires the preposition 'de' (gosto de café). The noun 'gosto' is a thing (taste) and takes an article (o gosto do café).

Eu gosto do gosto deste café. (I like the taste of this coffee).

Gosto vs sabor

Both translate to 'flavor' or 'taste' in English when talking about food.

'Sabor' is slightly more formal and restricted to physical flavor. 'Gosto' is everyday speech and also covers aesthetic preferences (good taste in clothes).

O sabor é intenso, mas não faz o meu gosto. (The flavor is intense, but it's not to my taste).

Gosto vs paladar

Also translates to 'taste' or 'palate'.

'Paladar' refers to the physical sense organ or the refined ability to taste. 'Gosto' is the actual flavor experienced or a general preference.

Ele tem um paladar apurado para notar este gosto. (He has a refined palate to notice this taste).

Gosto vs gasto

Visual similarity. Only one letter difference (o vs a).

'Gasto' is the past participle of 'gastar' (to spend) or an adjective meaning 'worn out'. 'Gosto' means taste.

O sapato está gasto, mas é de bom gosto. (The shoe is worn out, but it is in good taste).

Gosto vs prazer

Both can mean 'pleasure' in certain contexts.

'Prazer' is the direct word for pleasure. 'Gosto' means pleasure specifically in the phrase 'com gosto' (willingly/gladly).

É um prazer trabalhar aqui com gosto. (It is a pleasure to work here gladly).

Structures de phrases

[Subject] + ter + um + [Adjective] + gosto.

O bolo tem um bom gosto.

[Subject] + ter + bom/mau + gosto + para + [Noun].

Ela tem bom gosto para roupas.

[Verb] + com + (muito) + gosto.

Eu ajudo-te com muito gosto.

Dar + gosto + [Infinitive Verb].

Dá gosto ver o teu sucesso.

Ser + de + [Adjective] + gosto.

O comentário foi de mau gosto.

Fazer + o + gosto + a + [Person].

Vou fazer o gosto à minha mãe.

Ser + um + gosto + adquirido.

A música clássica é um gosto adquirido.

[Subject] + apelar + ao + gosto + [Adjective].

A obra apela ao gosto refinado.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high. It is one of the top 500 most used words in the Portuguese language.

Erreurs courantes

A sopa gosta bem. → A sopa tem um bom gosto.
English speakers try to use 'gostar' as an intransitive verb meaning 'to taste'. In Portuguese, food 'has a taste' (ter gosto).
Ele tem bom gosto em roupas. → Ele tem bom gosto para roupas.
Translating 'in clothes' directly leads to using 'em'. The correct preposition for domains of taste is 'para'.
Eu gosto um bom gosto. → Eu tenho bom gosto.
Confusing the verb 'gostar' with the verb 'ter' when trying to say 'I have good taste'.
Foi uma piada de mal gosto. → Foi uma piada de mau gosto.
Spelling mistake. 'Mau' is the adjective opposite to 'bom'. 'Mal' is the adverb opposite to 'bem'. Since 'gosto' is a noun, it needs the adjective 'mau'.
A comida está insípida, não tem sabor. (Used in casual speech) → A comida está sem gosto.
While grammatically correct, using 'insípida' or 'não tem sabor' in very casual speech sounds unnatural. Natives usually just say 'está sem gosto'.

Astuces

Use 'Ter' for Flavors

Never try to translate 'it tastes good' directly. Always use 'ter' (to have). 'Tem um bom gosto' (It has a good taste).

Bom Gosto vs Mau Gosto

Memorize these chunks. 'Bom gosto' is good taste (a compliment), and 'mau gosto' is bad taste (an insult). They are used constantly in fashion and design.

Gosto PARA

When specifying what you have good taste in, use 'para'. 'Bom gosto para a arte' (Good taste in art).

Gostos não se discutem

Memorize this proverb. It is the perfect polite escape hatch when you disagree with someone's opinion on a movie, song, or food.

Com Gosto

Use 'com gosto' instead of 'com prazer' occasionally to sound more like a native speaker when expressing willingness to help.

The 'S' Sound

If you are learning European Portuguese, remember to 'hiss' the 's' in 'gosto' so it sounds like 'gosh-tu'.

Sabor vs Gosto

Use 'sabor' when you want to sound like a food critic, and 'gosto' when you are chatting with friends at a café.

Noun vs Verb

Double-check your sentences to ensure you aren't confusing 'o gosto' (the taste) with 'eu gosto de' (I like).

Dá gosto

Use 'dá gosto' + infinitive to compliment a situation. 'Dá gosto trabalhar contigo' (It's a pleasure working with you).

Sem gosto

If food is bland, say it is 'sem gosto' (without taste). This is the most natural way to express blandness.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a GHOST (gosto) eating toast. The ghost has very good TASTE in toast. 'The GHOST-o has good TASTE'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a tongue with a top hat and a monocle. The tongue represents the physical 'taste', while the top hat and monocle represent refined 'aesthetic taste' or 'bom gosto'.

Word Web

Taste Flavor Sabor Preference Style Bom gosto Mau gosto Prazer

Défi

Next time you eat a meal, say out loud in Portuguese whether it has 'um bom gosto' or 'um mau gosto'. Then, look at your outfit and declare that you have 'bom gosto' in clothes.

Origine du mot

The word 'gosto' comes from the Latin noun 'gustus', which means 'taste' or 'flavor'. This Latin root is shared across many Romance languages, leading to words like 'goût' in French, 'gusto' in Spanish and Italian, and 'gust' in Romanian. The root is also related to the Latin verb 'gustare' (to taste).

Sens originel : The original Latin meaning strictly referred to the physical sense of taste and the act of sampling food.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Western Romance > Ibero-Romance > Portuguese.

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to confuse the noun 'gosto' with the verb 'gosto' (I like). While not offensive, mixing them up sounds very unnatural. Also, telling someone their choice is 'de mau gosto' can be highly offensive.

English speakers often use 'taste' as a verb ('It tastes good'). In Portuguese, 'gosto' is strictly a noun in this context. You must say 'It has a good taste' (Tem um bom gosto).

The month of August in Portuguese is 'Agosto', which sounds like 'a gosto' (to taste). There is a culinary pun: 'Cozinhar a gosto em Agosto' (Cooking to taste in August). The famous Brazilian song 'Gosto Que Me Enrosco' by Sinhô plays with the verb and noun forms. The Portuguese proverb 'Sobre gostos e cores não se discutem' (About tastes and colors, one does not argue) is a famous cultural staple.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Eating at a restaurant

Que bom gosto!
Tem gosto a quê?
A comida está sem gosto.
O gosto é muito forte.

Shopping for clothes

Tens bom gosto.
Isso é de mau gosto.
Não faz o meu gosto.
Gosto muito do teu estilo.

Discussing hobbies/art

Temos gostos diferentes.
Gostos não se discutem.
Qual é o teu gosto musical?
É um gosto adquirido.

Expressing willingness at work/home

Faço isso com gosto.
Dá gosto trabalhar aqui.
Ajudo com muito gosto.
É um gosto conhecer-te.

Critiquing something

Foi uma piada de mau gosto.
É de gosto duvidoso.
Falta-lhe gosto.
Tem um gosto peculiar.

Amorces de conversation

"Qual é o teu gosto musical favorito?"

"Achas que tens bom gosto para a moda?"

"Qual é a comida com o melhor gosto que já provaste?"

"Concordas que 'gostos não se discutem'?"

"Há alguma comida que seja um 'gosto adquirido' para ti?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreve sobre uma pessoa que tu achas que tem muito bom gosto e porquê.

Descreve o gosto da tua refeição favorita em detalhe.

Conta uma situação em que fizeste algo 'com muito gosto'.

Reflete sobre o provérbio 'gostos não se discutem'. Concordas?

Descreve uma tendência de moda atual que tu achas que é de 'mau gosto'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No. In Portuguese, food does not 'taste'; it 'has a taste'. You must use the verb 'ter' (to have). The correct sentence is 'A sopa tem um bom gosto'. Trying to use 'gostar' as an intransitive verb for food is a very common mistake.

Both mean flavor. 'Sabor' is slightly more formal and is often used in culinary contexts, packaging, or formal critiques. 'Gosto' is the everyday word for flavor. Additionally, 'gosto' is used for aesthetic preferences (e.g., good taste in fashion), whereas 'sabor' is not.

You say 'Eu tenho bom gosto para a música'. Note the use of the preposition 'para' (for) instead of 'em' (in). This is the standard structure for expressing aesthetic preferences in a specific domain.

'Com gosto' translates to 'with pleasure', 'gladly', or 'willingly'. If someone asks you for a favor and you reply 'Faço isso com gosto', you are saying you are happy to do it.

'Gosto' is a masculine noun. Therefore, it must be preceded by masculine articles and adjectives, such as 'o gosto', 'um gosto', 'bom gosto', or 'mau gosto'.

It translates literally to 'tastes are not discussed', meaning 'there is no accounting for taste' or 'to each their own'. It is used to politely acknowledge that people have different preferences and it's not worth arguing about them.

Look at the surrounding words. The noun will usually have an article ('o', 'um'), an adjective ('bom', 'mau'), or a preposition ('com', 'sem') before it. The verb 'gosto' will usually follow a subject ('eu') and be followed by the preposition 'de'.

Yes. The plural is 'gostos'. It is used when referring to multiple preferences or interests. For example, 'Temos gostos diferentes' means 'We have different tastes/preferences'.

'Dar gosto' means 'to be a pleasure' or 'to be a joy'. It is usually followed by an infinitive verb. For example, 'Dá gosto ver' means 'It's a pleasure to see'.

Yes, it can be quite insulting. Saying someone has 'mau gosto' (bad taste) is a direct critique of their aesthetic judgment, style, or social awareness. Use it with caution.