In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to say 'I really like' or 'I dig'.
- Derived from the verb 'curtir', meaning to enjoy or savor.
- Perfect for hobbies, music, food, and social media contexts.
Meaning
It is a very common way to say you really like or enjoy something or someone. It is the cool, relaxed alternative to the standard 'gosto muito'.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing music with a new friend
Eu curto muito essa banda, o som deles é incrível.
I really like this band, their sound is incredible.
Talking about weekend plans
Curto muito ir à praia no sábado de manhã.
I really enjoy going to the beach on Saturday mornings.
A slightly more professional but relaxed chat
Curto muito o jeito que você organiza as reuniões.
I really like the way you organize the meetings.
Cultural Background
The 'Like' button on Facebook and Instagram is translated as 'Curtir'. This has made the word even more common among all age groups. Cariocas (people from Rio) use 'curtir' constantly to describe the beach lifestyle. It's often paired with 'vibe'. In Portugal, 'curtir' can also mean 'to have a fling' or a casual romantic encounter, so be careful with the context! In Luanda, 'curtir' is used similarly to Brazil, often associated with 'kizomba' parties and social gatherings.
The 'De' Rule
If you want to sound Brazilian, drop the 'de' after curtir. It's the fastest way to sound like a local.
Social Media Etiquette
If someone says 'Curte aí!', they are asking you to like their post. It's a very common imperative.
In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to say 'I really like' or 'I dig'.
- Derived from the verb 'curtir', meaning to enjoy or savor.
- Perfect for hobbies, music, food, and social media contexts.
What It Means
Curto muito comes from the verb curtir. Originally, it meant to tan leather or preserve food. Today, it means you find something enjoyable or cool. It is like saying 'I'm into this' or 'I dig it'. It shows a genuine, relaxed interest in something.
How To Use It
Use it just like you would use 'I really like'. You can place it before a noun or a verb. If you like a song, say Curto muito essa música. If you like hiking, say Curto muito fazer trilha. It is incredibly versatile and fits almost any hobby or preference.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about your passions. It is perfect for first dates or meeting new people. Use it when discussing movies, music, or food. It sounds much more natural than the textbook eu gosto. It works great in text messages with a heart emoji. Use it to show enthusiasm without sounding too stiff.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in high-stakes professional environments. Do not tell your CEO Curto muito seu estilo during a board meeting. It might sound a bit too 'surfer' or overly casual. Also, avoid it in very somber or tragic situations. It carries a light, positive energy that does not mix with gravity. Don't use it for deep, soul-shattering love; stick to amo for that.
Cultural Background
This phrase exploded in the 1980s and 90s with youth culture. It was heavily associated with the beach and music scenes in Rio. Now, it is universal across Brazil and used by all ages. It reflects the Brazilian 'jeito' of being approachable and friendly. It is the linguistic equivalent of a thumbs-up and a smile.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more casual, just say Curto. For extra emphasis, try Curto demais. In Portugal, you might hear Curto totil, though that is very specific slang. You can also use it as a question: Curte um samba? to ask if someone likes something. It is the ultimate social lubricant in Brazilian Portuguese.
Usage Notes
The phrase is primarily informal. It is the go-to expression for social media and casual conversations. Avoid using it in legal, medical, or highly formal business settings.
The 'De' Rule
If you want to sound Brazilian, drop the 'de' after curtir. It's the fastest way to sound like a local.
Social Media Etiquette
If someone says 'Curte aí!', they are asking you to like their post. It's a very common imperative.
The 'Curti' Reaction
Use 'Curti!' as a one-word reaction to good news or a cool photo. It's the equivalent of saying 'Cool!' or 'I like it!'
Portugal vs Brazil
In Portugal, stick to 'Gosto muito' unless you are with very young friends or at a club.
Examples
6Eu curto muito essa banda, o som deles é incrível.
I really like this band, their sound is incredible.
A classic way to share musical tastes.
Curto muito ir à praia no sábado de manhã.
I really enjoy going to the beach on Saturday mornings.
Shows a personal habit or preference.
Curto muito o jeito que você organiza as reuniões.
I really like the way you organize the meetings.
Safe for work if the office culture is modern and chill.
Curto muito passar o tempo com você.
I really enjoy spending time with you.
Sweet and lighthearted without being too heavy.
Nossa, curto muito esse humor ácido!
Wow, I really dig this dark humor!
Expressing appreciation for a specific style.
Pode trazer o de sempre, curto muito esse café.
You can bring the usual, I really like this coffee.
Used with a familiar server to show loyalty to a product.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'curtir'.
Eu ______ muito viajar para a praia no verão.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the correct conjugation is 'curto'.
Which sentence is more natural in a casual Brazilian conversation?
Talking about a new song you love:
'Curto muito' is the most natural informal way to express this.
Complete the dialogue with the best response.
A: 'Você viu as fotos que eu postei no Instagram?' B: 'Vi sim! ___________'
In the context of Instagram, 'Curti' is the standard way to say you liked the photos.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Phrase: 'Não curto muito acordar cedo.'
The phrase expresses a negative preference about a daily habit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Gostar vs. Curtir
Where to use 'Curtir'
Social Media
- • TikTok
Hobbies
- • Music
- • Movies
- • Sports
Social
- • Parties
- • Dates
- • Hangouts
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ muito viajar para a praia no verão.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the correct conjugation is 'curto'.
Talking about a new song you love:
'Curto muito' is the most natural informal way to express this.
A: 'Você viu as fotos que eu postei no Instagram?' B: 'Vi sim! ___________'
In the context of Instagram, 'Curti' is the standard way to say you liked the photos.
Phrase: 'Não curto muito acordar cedo.'
The phrase expresses a negative preference about a daily habit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's informal. It means you like their company or are 'into' them. 'Eu curto muito você' is common in dating.
No, it's too casual. Use 'Gosto muito' or 'Tenho interesse'.
Yes, 'muito' adds the 'really'. Without it, 'curto' just means 'I like/dig'.
This is more common in European Portuguese or very formal/old-fashioned Brazilian grammar, but in modern Brazilian slang, the 'de' is dropped.
It's the noun form, meaning a time of fun or partying. 'A vida é uma curtição!'
Absolutely! 'Curto muito pizza' is very natural.
Yes, it follows the standard -ir conjugation (like 'abrir' or 'partir').
It started that way, but now almost everyone in Brazil uses it, especially because of social media.
Just add 'não': 'Não curto muito'.
'Adorar' is 'to love/adore'. 'Curtir' is more about 'digging the vibe'.
Related Phrases
Aproveitar
similarTo make the most of something.
Gostar de
synonymTo like.
Amarrar-se
slangTo be really into something.
Desfrutar
formalTo enjoy/relish.
Curtição
builds onThe act of having fun.
