In 15 Seconds
- Expresses a specific craving or desire for food or activities.
- Uses the verb 'ter' followed by 'apetite' and usually 'de'.
- More about 'wanting' something specific than just being hungry.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you have a craving or a specific desire for something, usually food or an activity. It is like saying you are 'in the mood' for a particular experience.
Key Examples
3 of 6Deciding on dinner with a partner
Tenho apetite de comida japonesa hoje.
I feel like Japanese food today.
At a fancy restaurant
O senhor tem apetite de uma entrada?
Would you like an appetizer, sir?
Texting a friend about the weekend
Tenho apetite de ir à praia no sábado!
I feel like going to the beach on Saturday!
Cultural Background
In Portugal, 'abrir o apetite' is often associated with the 'aperitivo' culture—having a small drink like a Port wine or a beer with some olives before the main meal. In Brazil, 'ter apetite' can be used in the business world of Faria Lima (São Paulo's Wall Street) to describe aggressive expansion strategies. In Angolan Portuguese, expressing a 'good appetite' is a common way to compliment a host's cooking during large family gatherings. Similar to other Lusophone African countries, 'ter apetite' is often linked to physical health; a lack of it is taken very seriously by family members.
Use it to be polite
When you want to say 'no' to an activity without being rude, say 'Não tenho muito apetite para isso hoje'. It sounds like a temporary mood rather than a rejection of the person.
Preposition check
Remember: 'apetite DE' for things you consume, 'apetite PARA' for things you do.
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses a specific craving or desire for food or activities.
- Uses the verb 'ter' followed by 'apetite' and usually 'de'.
- More about 'wanting' something specific than just being hungry.
What It Means
Ter appetite goes beyond just being hungry. It describes a specific longing or a 'taste' for something. While it often refers to food, it can also describe a desire for an experience. It is that feeling when your stomach or your mind says, 'I really want that right now.'
How To Use It
You use it just like the verb 'to have' in English. You conjugate ter (to have) based on who is feeling the craving. Usually, you follow it with the preposition de (of) and then the thing you want. For example, Tenho apetite de pizza means you are specifically craving pizza. It is a very natural way to express your current mood or desire.
When To Use It
Use this when you are deciding what to eat with friends. It is perfect for those moments when someone asks, 'What should we do tonight?' You can also use it in a more abstract way. If you are ready for a challenge at work, you might have apetite for a new project. It is great for casual chats and semi-formal dinners alike.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for serious, deep-seated life goals. It is usually for immediate or short-term cravings. If you are starving and just need any food, simply use estou com fome (I am hungry). Ter apetite is more about the 'what' than the 'how much.' Also, avoid it in very stiff, legalistic documents where 'desire' or 'intent' is required.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture revolves heavily around the joy of eating and socializing. Having an 'appetite' is seen as a sign of health and vitality. In Portugal and Brazil, asking if someone has apetite is a way of showing hospitality. It is not just about biology; it is about the pleasure of the senses. It reflects a culture that values the 'gusto' of living life to the fullest.
Common Variations
You might hear abrir o apetite, which means 'to whet the appetite.' This is often said when you see a delicious photo or smell something amazing. Another common one is perder o apetite (to lose one's appetite), usually because of bad news or a gross sight. In Brazil, people often prefer estar com vontade de, which is a very close cousin to this phrase.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and sits comfortably in the neutral register. Note that in Portugal, it is very common in culinary contexts, while in Brazil, it might sound slightly more sophisticated than the everyday 'vontade'.
Use it to be polite
When you want to say 'no' to an activity without being rude, say 'Não tenho muito apetite para isso hoje'. It sounds like a temporary mood rather than a rejection of the person.
Preposition check
Remember: 'apetite DE' for things you consume, 'apetite PARA' for things you do.
The 'Bom Apetite' rule
Always say 'Bom apetite' if you pass someone who is eating, even if you don't know them. It's a vital social lubricant in Portugal and Brazil.
Examples
6Tenho apetite de comida japonesa hoje.
I feel like Japanese food today.
A very common way to suggest a specific cuisine.
O senhor tem apetite de uma entrada?
Would you like an appetizer, sir?
Used by a waiter to sound polite and inviting.
Tenho apetite de ir à praia no sábado!
I feel like going to the beach on Saturday!
Shows excitement for a specific activity.
Só de olhar, já tenho apetite de comer tudo!
Just looking at it, I already feel like eating it all!
Expresses an immediate, visual craving.
Hoje não tenho apetite de nada.
Today I don't feel like doing anything.
A negative use to show a lack of motivation or desire.
A empresa tem apetite de novos mercados.
The company has an appetite for new markets.
A metaphorical use common in professional settings.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ter apetite' and the preposition.
Eu não _________ (present) _________ comer carne hoje.
We use 'de' for specific food items.
Which sentence is correct for a business context?
How do you say 'The company wants to take risks'?
'Ter apetite para o risco' is the standard professional collocation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Queres ir ao ginásio? B: Agora não, não _________.
While 'vontade' also works, 'apetite' is a valid way to express lack of mood for an activity.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Ter Apetite'
Food
- • Dinner
- • Dessert
- • Snacks
Activities
- • Walking
- • Reading
- • Movies
Business
- • Risk
- • Investment
- • Growth
Practice Bank
3 exercisesEu não _________ (present) _________ comer carne hoje.
We use 'de' for specific food items.
How do you say 'The company wants to take risks'?
'Ter apetite para o risco' is the standard professional collocation.
A: Queres ir ao ginásio? B: Agora não, não _________.
While 'vontade' also works, 'apetite' is a valid way to express lack of mood for an activity.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for water we use 'ter sede' (to be thirsty). 'Apetite' is strictly for food or figurative desires.
Yes, 'ter apetite' focuses on the desire and enjoyment of food, while 'estar com fome' is the basic physical need.
You say 'Perdi o apetite'.
Yes, but for 'feeling like doing something', Brazilians prefer 'estar com vontade'. 'Ter apetite' is more common for food or business.
It is the standard way to say 'sex drive' or 'libido' in a clinical or neutral way.
This is very poetic or highly suggestive/romantic, similar to 'I hunger for you'. Use with caution!
'Apetite' is more linked to consumption and sensory pleasure; 'vontade' is a general will or wish.
It is masculine: 'o apetite', 'um apetite'.
Yes, you say 'Este cheiro dá-me apetite'.
The best phrase is 'abrir o apetite'.
Related Phrases
estar com vontade
similarTo feel like doing something
abrir o apetite
builds onTo work up an appetite
perder o apetite
contrastTo lose one's appetite
bom apetite
specialized formEnjoy your meal
apetite voraz
specialized formVoracious appetite
