A1 Expression Neutral 4 min read

Gosto muito

I like it a lot

Literally: I like much

In 15 Seconds

  • Expresses strong liking or enthusiasm.
  • Versatile for objects, activities, and people.
  • Friendly but generally appropriate for most settings.
  • A step up from simple 'I like it'.

Meaning

This phrase is your go-to for expressing genuine enthusiasm! It's like saying 'I really like this!' or 'I'm totally into this!' with a warm, friendly vibe. Think of it as a heartfelt endorsement, perfect for sharing your positive feelings about almost anything.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend about a new cafe

Experimentei aquele café novo no centro, gosto muito!

I tried that new cafe downtown, I like it a lot!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

Watching a movie with family

Este filme é ótimo, gosto muito da história.

This movie is great, I like the story a lot.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Ordering food via app

Eu gosto muito do frango grelhado deles.

I like their grilled chicken a lot.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

Brazilians are very enthusiastic. You might hear 'Gosto demais!' or 'Amo!' even for small things like a snack. 'Gosto muito' is the polite baseline. In Portugal, 'Gosto imenso' is a very common alternative to 'Gosto muito'. It sounds slightly more formal but is used in everyday speech. In African Portuguese-speaking countries, 'Gostar' is often used with 'bué' (slang for 'a lot') among younger generations.

💡

The Short Answer

If someone asks 'Você gosta de café?', you can just say 'Gosto muito!' without repeating 'de café'.

⚠️

The 'De' Trap

Never say 'Gosto muito o carro'. It must be 'Gosto muito DO carro'. The 'de' is non-negotiable.

In 15 Seconds

  • Expresses strong liking or enthusiasm.
  • Versatile for objects, activities, and people.
  • Friendly but generally appropriate for most settings.
  • A step up from simple 'I like it'.

What It Means

This is your go-to phrase for saying you *really* like something or someone. It's more than just 'I like it'; it's a step up in enthusiasm. It carries a warm, positive feeling. You're not just neutral; you're genuinely pleased! It's a simple way to show appreciation.

How To Use It

Use Gosto muito when you want to express strong positive feelings. It works for food, movies, music, places, or even people. For example, Gosto muito deste filme! (I really like this movie!). You can also use it for abstract things, like Gosto muito da sua ideia (I really like your idea). It's super versatile. Just add muito after gosto for that extra punch.

Formality & Register

This phrase is quite flexible. It leans informal but isn't strictly slang. You can use it with friends, family, and even in many professional settings. It's friendly without being unprofessional. Think of it as a safe bet for most situations. It's like a happy medium. It's not overly stiff, but it's not sloppy either. It's just right for most everyday chats.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine tasting a delicious pastel de nata. You'd exclaim, Hummm, gosto muito! (Mmm, I like it a lot!). Or perhaps you're watching a great show on Netflix. You might text your friend, Esse seriado é incrível, gosto muito! (This series is incredible, I like it a lot!). It's perfect for sharing genuine excitement. You could even say it about a new song you discovered. Essa música é ótima, gosto muito!

When To Use It

Use Gosto muito when you feel a strong positive connection. It's for when something truly impresses you. Think about that amazing trip you took. You'd say, Gosto muito de Portugal! (I like Portugal a lot!). Or maybe you love a colleague's presentation. You can tell them, Gosto muito da sua apresentação. It's great for genuine compliments. It shows you've paid attention. It's also good for expressing fondness for hobbies. Gosto muito de ler. (I really like reading.)

When NOT To Use It

Avoid Gosto muito for things you *adore* or are *passionate* about. For extreme love, you might use Adoro (I adore) or Amo (I love), but those are stronger. Also, don't use it if you're being extremely formal, like in a legal document or a super-stiff academic paper. It might sound a bit too casual there. It's also not for expressing mild liking. If you just *kind of* like something, maybe just Gosto is enough. Don't overdo it!

Common Mistakes

A common slip-up is forgetting the muito. Just saying Gosto is fine, but it lacks the emphasis. It's like saying 'I like it' instead of 'I *really* like it'. Another mistake is using it for things you *hate*. That would be… awkward. Or maybe trying to say 'I like you a lot' to someone you just met. That might be too forward! Stick to things and situations first. ✗ Eu gosto muito. → ✓ Gosto muito. (The Eu is often optional and can sound a bit emphatic or formal, depending on context).

Common Variations

In Brazil, you might hear Adorei! (I loved it!) used very casually for things you simply like a lot. It's a bit more intense but used similarly. In Portugal, Gosto imenso is also common, meaning 'I like it immensely'. Both convey strong liking. Sometimes, people might say Curti muito (I really dug it), which is more slangy, especially in Brazil. Gosto bastante (I like it quite a bit) is another solid option, slightly less intense than muito.

Real Conversations

Friend 1: Viste o novo episódio daquela série? (Did you see the new episode of that series?)

Friend 2: Sim! Gosto muito! A história está fantástica. (Yes! I like it a lot! The story is fantastic.)

B

Boss

O que achou da proposta? (What did you think of the proposal?)
E

Employee

Gosto muito, acho que tem grande potencial. (I like it a lot, I think it has great potential.)
S

Stranger

Gostei do seu casaco! (I liked your coat!)
Y

You

Obrigado! Gosto muito dele também. (Thanks! I like it a lot too.)

Quick FAQ

Can I use Gosto muito for people? Yes, but be mindful of the context. It's friendly. Can it be used sarcastically? Yes, like many phrases, but tone is key. Is it always positive? Mostly, yes. It's a genuine expression of liking.

Usage Notes

This phrase is highly versatile, fitting into most informal and neutral conversations. While generally safe, avoid it in extremely formal written documents where 'aprecio' might be preferred. A common pitfall for learners is forgetting the necessary preposition 'de' after 'gostar'.

💡

The Short Answer

If someone asks 'Você gosta de café?', you can just say 'Gosto muito!' without repeating 'de café'.

⚠️

The 'De' Trap

Never say 'Gosto muito o carro'. It must be 'Gosto muito DO carro'. The 'de' is non-negotiable.

🎯

Sound like a Native

In Brazil, drop the 'Eu' (I). Just start with 'Gosto muito...'. It sounds more natural and fluid.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend about a new cafe
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Experimentei aquele café novo no centro, gosto muito!

I tried that new cafe downtown, I like it a lot!

Here, `Gosto muito` shows strong approval of the place.

#2 Watching a movie with family
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Este filme é ótimo, gosto muito da história.

This movie is great, I like the story a lot.

Expresses deep appreciation for the plot specifically.

#3 Ordering food via app
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Eu gosto muito do frango grelhado deles.

I like their grilled chicken a lot.

A simple, direct endorsement of a menu item.

#4 Instagram caption for a travel photo
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Lisboa, gosto muito de ti! Que cidade incrível.

Lisbon, I like you a lot! What an incredible city.

Personifies the city and expresses strong affection.

#5 Reacting to a friend's new song on Spotify
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Uau, essa música nova é demais! Gosto muito!

Wow, this new song is awesome! I like it a lot!

Enthusiastic approval, common in informal music chats.

#6 Professional email to a colleague about a project
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Gosto muito da sua abordagem a este problema.

I like your approach to this problem a lot.

Shows professional appreciation for a colleague's work.

#7 Job interview feedback (positive)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Gosto muito do seu currículo e experiência.

I like your resume and experience a lot.

Expresses strong positive impression during an interview.

Mistake: Using 'Gosto muito' too early in a professional context Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

✗ Gosto muito do seu projeto, mas precisamos de mais dados. → ✓ Acho o seu projeto interessante, mas precisamos de mais dados.

✗ I like your project a lot, but we need more data. → ✓ I find your project interesting, but we need more data.

Using 'Gosto muito' might be too informal or overly enthusiastic for initial critical feedback.

Mistake: Direct translation from English Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ Eu gosto muito de você. → ✓ Gosto muito de você. (or better: Gosto muito de ti. / Tenho muito carinho por você.)

✗ I like you a lot. → ✓ I like you a lot.

Adding 'Eu' is often unnecessary and can sound overly emphatic or formal. For romantic 'I love you', use 'Eu te amo'.

#10 Humorous comment about a terrible dish
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Este prato... bem, gosto muito de *outras* coisas que você faz!

This dish... well, I like other things you make a lot!

A polite, humorous way to avoid saying you dislike the current dish.

#11 Expressing fondness for a pet
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Ah, o meu cãozinho! Gosto tanto, tanto dele!

Oh, my little dog! I like him so, so much!

Using `tanto, tanto` amplifies the feeling, similar to `muito`.

#12 Talking about a hobby
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Gosto muito de jardinagem, é o meu passatempo preferido.

I like gardening a lot, it's my favorite hobby.

Expresses a strong liking for an activity.

Test Yourself

Fill in the missing preposition/contraction.

Eu gosto muito ___ (the) café.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: do

Café is masculine, so 'de' + 'o' = 'do'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Select the correct option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Gosto muito de viajar.

The adverb 'muito' follows the verb, and 'de' is required before the infinitive 'viajar'.

Match the response to the question.

Você gosta de morar em Lisboa?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sim, gosto muito!

When answering a 'yes/no' question about liking something already mentioned, 'Gosto muito' is the perfect short answer.

Complete the dialogue.

Ana: 'Este bolo é delicioso!' Pedro: '___'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All of the above

All these options are natural ways to agree that you like the cake.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Things you can 'Gostar Muito'

🍕

Food

  • Pizza
  • Sushi
  • Fruta
🎸

Hobbies

  • Música
  • Esporte
  • Leitura
👥

People

  • Amigos
  • Família
  • Colegas

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the missing preposition/contraction. Fill Blank A1

Eu gosto muito ___ (the) café.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: do

Café is masculine, so 'de' + 'o' = 'do'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct? Choose A1

Select the correct option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Gosto muito de viajar.

The adverb 'muito' follows the verb, and 'de' is required before the infinitive 'viajar'.

Match the response to the question. situation_matching A1

Você gosta de morar em Lisboa?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sim, gosto muito!

When answering a 'yes/no' question about liking something already mentioned, 'Gosto muito' is the perfect short answer.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

Ana: 'Este bolo é delicioso!' Pedro: '___'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All of the above

All these options are natural ways to agree that you like the cake.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

6 questions

Yes! It means you really like them as a person or friend. It's not necessarily romantic.

'Adoro' is slightly stronger, like 'I love it'. 'Gosto muito' is 'I really like it'. They are often interchangeable for hobbies.

It's a grammatical requirement of the verb 'gostar'. Think of it like 'I am fond OF' in English.

It's neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or a stranger.

You can say 'Gosto muito' or 'Gosto imenso'. Both are perfect.

No, that sounds very unnatural. Always put 'muito' after the verb.

Related Phrases

🔗

Adorar

similar

To love/adore

🔄

Gosto imenso

synonym

I like immensely

🔗

Não gosto nada

contrast

I don't like it at all

🔗

Gostar de

builds on

To like

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