Tenho predileção por
I have a special liking for / I have a soft spot for
Literally: I have predilection for
In 15 Seconds
- A sophisticated way to express a strong preference or favorite choice.
- Combines the verb 'ter' with the noun 'predileção' and preposition 'por'.
- Best suited for professional, romantic, or intellectual social settings.
Meaning
It is a sophisticated way to say you have a special liking or a soft spot for something. It suggests you don't just like it; you prioritize it over other options.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing literature with a new acquaintance
Tenho predileção por romances históricos.
I have a predilection for historical novels.
In a job interview discussing work habits
Tenho predileção por projetos que envolvem trabalho em equipe.
I have a preference for projects that involve teamwork.
Ordering at a high-end restaurant
Tenho predileção pelos vinhos tintos da região do Douro.
I have a preference for red wines from the Douro region.
Cultural Background
The phrase stems from the Latin 'praedilectio', emphasizing a 'prior love'. In Lusophone cultures, expressing specific preferences is seen as a sign of a strong personality and refined character. It is often used in literature and high-end journalism to describe the habits of famous figures.
The Contraction Rule
Always remember to merge 'por' with the article. 'Por + o = pelo', 'Por + a = pela'. It makes you sound like a native!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single thing you like in one conversation, you'll sound like a 19th-century poet. Mix it up with 'gosto de' or 'prefiro'.
In 15 Seconds
- A sophisticated way to express a strong preference or favorite choice.
- Combines the verb 'ter' with the noun 'predileção' and preposition 'por'.
- Best suited for professional, romantic, or intellectual social settings.
What It Means
Tenho predileção por is your 'fancy' way of saying you have a favorite. It comes from the word predileto, which means favorite or preferred. When you use this, you are signaling a refined taste. It is more than a simple eu gosto. It implies a conscious choice or a long-standing habit. Think of it as having a 'penchant' for something in English.
How To Use It
You follow the phrase directly with the object of your affection. If you love dark chocolate, you say Tenho predileção por chocolate amargo. Note that por will often contract with articles. It becomes pelo (masculine) or pela (feminine). For example, Tenho predileção pela culinária italiana. It sounds smooth and educated. You can use it for hobbies, food, or even types of people.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound slightly more polished. It is perfect for a first date when discussing movies. It works beautifully in a job interview to describe your work style. Use it at a dinner party to explain your wine choice. It adds a touch of class to your conversation. It shows you have a rich vocabulary beyond basic verbs.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very high-energy, slang-heavy situations. If you are at a football stadium screaming, don't use it. It will sound out of place and a bit 'stuck up'. Don't use it for very trivial, temporary things. If you just want a glass of water, don't say you have a predilection for it. It is for established tastes, not immediate cravings. Keep it for things that define your personality.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value 'bonito falar' (speaking beautifully). Using Latin-derived words like predileção shows you are well-read. In Brazil, it carries a certain 'charme'. In Portugal, it feels traditional and respectful. It reflects a culture that enjoys debating tastes and preferences over long meals. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday life and intellectual discussion.
Common Variations
You might hear Minha predileção é... (My preference is...). Another common one is Tenho uma certa predileção por.... Adding uma certa (a certain) makes it sound more mysterious. You can also use the adjective form: Este é o meu prato predileto. All these variations revolve around the idea of choosing one thing above all others.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits firmly in the B2/C1 level. It is formal but accessible. The main 'gotcha' is forgetting the contraction of the preposition 'por' with the following article.
The Contraction Rule
Always remember to merge 'por' with the article. 'Por + o = pelo', 'Por + a = pela'. It makes you sound like a native!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single thing you like in one conversation, you'll sound like a 19th-century poet. Mix it up with 'gosto de' or 'prefiro'.
The 'Predileto' Shortcut
If the full phrase feels too heavy, just use the word 'predileto' as an adjective. 'Meu filme predileto' is a very common way to say 'My favorite movie'.
Examples
6Tenho predileção por romances históricos.
I have a predilection for historical novels.
Shows a specific intellectual interest.
Tenho predileção por projetos que envolvem trabalho em equipe.
I have a preference for projects that involve teamwork.
Sounds professional and self-aware.
Tenho predileção pelos vinhos tintos da região do Douro.
I have a preference for red wines from the Douro region.
The 'por' contracts with 'os' to become 'pelos'.
Sabe que tenho predileção por lugares tranquilos, né?
You know I have a soft spot for quiet places, right?
The 'né' at the end softens the formality for a friend.
Tenho predileção por problemas, só pode ser!
I must have a predilection for problems, it's the only explanation!
Uses a formal phrase for a self-deprecating joke.
Sempre tive predileção por esta cidade; ela me acalma.
I've always had a soft spot for this city; it calms me.
Expresses a long-term emotional bond.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct contraction for the sentence: 'I have a preference for (the) Brazilian arts.'
Tenho predileção ___ artes brasileiras.
Since 'artes' is feminine and plural, 'por' + 'as' becomes 'pelas'.
Which verb correctly completes the phrase?
Eu sempre ___ predileção por música clássica.
The expression always uses the verb 'ter' (to have).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of Expressing Liking
Basic liking
Eu curto...
Standard preference
Eu gosto de...
Sophisticated preference
Tenho predileção por...
Where to use 'Tenho predileção por'
Art Gallery
Discussing styles
Wine Tasting
Choosing grapes
Job Interview
Work environment
First Date
Favorite genres
Practice Bank
2 exercisesTenho predileção ___ artes brasileiras.
Since 'artes' is feminine and plural, 'por' + 'as' becomes 'pelas'.
Eu sempre ___ predileção por música clássica.
The expression always uses the verb 'ter' (to have).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsAlmost, but predileção sounds more personal and refined. Preferência is more functional, like choosing a seat on a plane.
Yes, but be careful! Saying Tenho predileção por ele sounds like you favor him over others, which might imply bias in a professional setting.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in both. It is a standard 'high-level' Portuguese expression.
There isn't a direct single-word opposite, but you could say Tenho aversão a... (I have an aversion to...) for something you strongly dislike.
No, you can use it in the past (Tive predileção) or future, but it is most common in the present tense to describe your current tastes.
Absolutely. It is a great way to express a professional preference in a formal email, like Tenho predileção por reuniões matinais.
No, that is a common mistake. The correct preposition is always por.
Not at all. If you use this with teenagers in a skate park, they might look at you funny.
The word predileção becomes predileções, as in Minhas predileções mudaram com o tempo (My preferences changed over time).
Not necessarily, but it does imply a 'soft spot'. It's more about what your heart (or taste) chooses first.
Related Phrases
Ter um fraco por
To have a soft spot for (more informal/emotional)
Ser fã de
To be a fan of
Dar preferência a
To give preference to
Cair no gosto de
To become a favorite of
