In 15 Seconds
- Refined ability to choose high-quality, aesthetic items.
- Used for fashion, music, decor, and personal choices.
- Always uses the verb 'ter' (to have).
- A versatile, high-value compliment in Portuguese-speaking cultures.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who possesses an innate eye for quality, elegance, and aesthetic harmony. It is more than just liking expensive things; it is the ability to discern what is beautiful, appropriate, and refined across various aspects of life. When you tell someone they have 'bom gosto', you are complimenting their judgment and their 'eye' for the finer details that others might miss.
Key Examples
3 of 10Complimenting a friend's new apartment decor on WhatsApp.
Amiga, sua casa nova está linda, você tem muito bom gosto!
Girl, your new house is beautiful, you have great taste!
Texting a date after they suggest a cool underground bar.
Gostei da sugestão, você tem bom gosto para lugares!
I liked the suggestion, you have good taste in places!
A professional designer receiving feedback on a logo.
O cliente achou que o designer tem um bom gosto estético.
The client thought the designer has a good aesthetic taste.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'bom gosto' is deeply rooted in the Latin European tradition of aesthetic discernment, particularly influenced by French 'bon goût'. In Brazilian and Portuguese cultures, social standing was historically tied to one's education and refinement, not just wealth. Being able to demonstrate 'bom gosto' was a way to signal that you were 'culto' (cultured) and understood the nuances of art, literature, and fashion. Today, it remains a highly valued social trait, reflecting a cultural emphasis on beauty and presentation in everything from home decor to the way one speaks.
The 'Para' Power
Always follow the phrase with 'para' + [noun] to sound like a native. For example, 'para sapatos' or 'para arte'.
The 'Sabor' Trap
Never use 'bom gosto' for the flavor of food. You will confuse people. Use 'saboroso' or 'gostoso' for the tongue!
In 15 Seconds
- Refined ability to choose high-quality, aesthetic items.
- Used for fashion, music, decor, and personal choices.
- Always uses the verb 'ter' (to have).
- A versatile, high-value compliment in Portuguese-speaking cultures.
What It Means
Ever wonder why some people can pick a $10 shirt from a thrift store and look like a millionaire, while others spend thousands and still look... well, confused? That magic touch is exactly what Brazilians and Portuguese people call ter bom gosto. It is that invisible radar for style that separates the icons from the crowd. If you have this, you do not just follow trends; you know what actually looks good.
What It Means
At its heart, ter bom gosto is about the quality of your choices. It covers everything from the art on your walls to the way you plate a dinner for friends. It is not just about fashion, though that is a huge part of it. It is about harmony and discernment. Think of that one friend whose Spotify playlist is always perfect for the mood, or that relative who always finds the most thoughtful, elegant gifts. They have 'good taste'. It implies a level of sophistication that money cannot buy. It is an emotional vibe of 'this person knows what they are doing'.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is easier than picking a filter for your sunset photo. The verb is ter (to have). You simply say eu tenho, você tem, or ele tem followed by bom gosto. If you want to specify what the taste is for, use the preposition para or em. For example, ela tem bom gosto para móveis (she has good taste in furniture). You can also drop a muito in there to make it a huge compliment: você tem muito bom gosto!. It works perfectly as a stand-alone comment when someone shows you something they bought or a photo of their new house. Just don't use it for the flavor of your pizza; that's a different kind of taste!
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you are scrolling through TikTok and see a creator with a perfectly curated minimalist apartment. You might comment, "Nossa, que bom gosto!". Or picture yourself on a date at a wine bar. Your partner picks a bottle of Alentejo wine that tastes like heaven. You look at them and say, "Você tem bom gosto para vinhos". In a job interview for a design position, a manager might look at your portfolio and remark, "Percebo que você tem um bom gosto estético". It is the ultimate social 'thumb's up'. Even in a text message, if a friend sends you a link to a cool new song, replying with "Bom gosto!" is a quick way to say 'I love your style'.
When To Use It
Use this phrase whenever you want to validate someone's aesthetic or intellectual choices. It is a fantastic 'icebreaker' compliment because it feels more personal than just saying "I like that". It suggests you admire their mind and their eye. It is perfect for professional settings like architecture, fashion, or marketing, where having 'good taste' is literally a job requirement. It is also great for romantic situations—complimenting your partner's 'bom gosto' is a subtle way of saying they are refined and sophisticated. If you're visiting someone's home for the first time, mentioning their 'bom gosto' is the gold standard of politeness.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use ter bom gosto when you are talking about the literal flavor of food on your tongue. If the soup needs salt, you don't say it lacks 'bom gosto'; you say it lacks sabor. Also, avoid using it for moral choices. If someone is a good person, they have a bom coração (good heart), not necessarily bom gosto. Be careful with sarcasm, too. If someone shows up in a neon green suit with orange polka dots, saying "Que bom gosto!" will definitely be heard as a joke. Finally, don't use it to describe your own things too often, or you might sound a bit full of yourself. Let others do the complimenting!
Common Mistakes
A classic beginner move is saying ✗ Você é bom gosto. Remember, you *have* taste, you aren't *made* of taste! Always use the verb ter. Another mistake is confusing gosto with gostoso. If you say someone is gostoso, you are calling them 'hot' or 'attractive' in a very physical way, which might get you a slap or a wink, depending on the vibe! Also, watch out for the preposition. Don't say ✗ bom gosto de música; use para música or em música. It's a small detail, but it makes you sound like a pro rather than a Google Translate bot.
Similar Expressions
If you want to mix it up, you can use ter classe (to have class), which is a bit more about behavior and status. There is also ter estilo (to have style), which is more focused on fashion and 'coolness'. If someone is very refined, you might say they are uma pessoa requintada. On the flip side, if you want to be a bit more slangy, you could say someone has o molho (the sauce), though that is very modern and mostly used by younger crowds in Portugal and Brazil. Ser elegante is another safe bet, but it is more about the final look than the choice-making process itself.
Common Variations
You will often hear ter um gosto apurado, which means 'a refined/sharp taste'—this is like level 100 bom gosto. If you want to be critical, you can say someone has gosto duvidoso (doubtful taste). That is a polite way of saying their choices are terrible. You might also hear gosto não se discute, which is the Portuguese version of 'there is no accounting for taste' (basically, let's agree to disagree). In Brazil, you might hear bom gosto pra caramba, where 'pra caramba' acts as a very informal intensifier to show you are really impressed.
Memory Trick
Think of a "Ghost" (which sounds like Gosto) who is a famous fashion designer. This ghost only hangs out in high-end art galleries and wears Gucci. Whenever you see something beautiful, imagine this "Style Ghost" giving it a thumbs up. Ter (to have) the Ghost (Gosto) on your side means you have the power of good taste. Or, just remember that Gosto is the 'Guest' of honor at every stylish party. If you 'Have' the 'Guest' (Gosto), the party is a success!
Quick FAQ
People often ask: "Can I use this for a guy?" Yes! It is gender-neutral because gosto is a masculine noun. You can say ele tem bom gosto or ela tem bom gosto without changing a thing. Another common question: "Is it too formal for friends?" Not at all. It is a very warm and common compliment among friends. If your buddy buys a cool new car, saying "Você tem bom gosto, hein!" is perfectly normal. It’s the kind of phrase that works at a fancy gala or while eating street food. It’s all about the 'vibe' of the choice.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and works in almost any social context. Always remember that the verb is 'ter' and the noun 'gosto' is masculine. The main 'gotcha' for English speakers is trying to use it for food flavors—save 'bom gosto' for the eyes and mind, and use 'sabor' for the tongue.
The 'Para' Power
Always follow the phrase with 'para' + [noun] to sound like a native. For example, 'para sapatos' or 'para arte'.
The 'Sabor' Trap
Never use 'bom gosto' for the flavor of food. You will confuse people. Use 'saboroso' or 'gostoso' for the tongue!
Class Signaling
In Portuguese-speaking countries, having 'bom gosto' is often valued more than having money. It suggests you are educated and 'culto'.
Exclamation Rule
If you don't know what to say to a friend showing you their new stuff, just say 'Que bom gosto!'. It's the perfect safe compliment.
Examples
10Amiga, sua casa nova está linda, você tem muito bom gosto!
Girl, your new house is beautiful, you have great taste!
Adding 'muito' makes the compliment feel more sincere and enthusiastic.
Gostei da sugestão, você tem bom gosto para lugares!
I liked the suggestion, you have good taste in places!
This is a subtle way to flirt and show you appreciate their style.
O cliente achou que o designer tem um bom gosto estético.
The client thought the designer has a good aesthetic taste.
In professional contexts, 'estético' is often added for precision.
Dizem que ter bom gosto é um dom, o que acham?
They say having good taste is a gift, what do you think?
A common way to engage followers with a question about style.
Sua retrospectiva do Spotify provou que você tem bom gosto para música.
Your Spotify Wrapped proved that you have good taste in music.
A very modern and relatable way to use the phrase.
Meu filho sempre teve bom gosto para escolher namoradas.
My son has always had good taste in choosing girlfriends.
Shows that the phrase applies to choosing people, not just objects.
Vou aceitar a sugestão, sei que o senhor tem bom gosto.
I'll take the suggestion, I know you have good taste.
Using 'o senhor' makes it formal and respectful.
✗ Este bolo é bom gosto → ✓ Este bolo é muito saboroso.
✗ This cake is good taste → ✓ This cake is very tasty.
You can't use 'bom gosto' for the literal flavor of food.
✗ Você é bom gosto hoje → ✓ Você tem bom gosto.
✗ You are good taste today → ✓ You have good taste.
Always use 'ter' (have), never 'ser' (be) with this phrase.
Amigo, hoje você está com um gosto meio duvidoso, não?
Friend, today you have some questionable taste, don't you?
Using 'duvidoso' is a polite/funny way to criticize style.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
In Portuguese, we 'have' (ter) good taste, we don't 'are' it.
Find and fix the error in this sentence about music.
You must use the verb 'ter' (tenho) instead of 'ser' (sou).
Choose the most natural way to compliment a friend's new watch.
How would you tell a friend they picked a great watch?
'Que bom gosto!' is a very common and natural exclamation of praise.
Translate this simple compliment.
A direct mapping of the English phrase using the verb 'ter'.
Put the words in correct order to form a compliment.
The order follows: Subject + Verb + Intensity + Adjective + Noun.
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
We use 'para' (or 'em') to indicate the field or category of the taste.
Which sentence describes someone with bad style politely?
How do you say someone has questionable taste?
'Gosto duvidoso' is the standard way to express that someone's style is questionable.
Translate: 'She has great taste in movies.'
Remember to use 'para' for the category 'filmes'.
Fix the preposition and verb choice in this formal context.
Using 'é de um' is grammatically possible but 'tem um' is the natural collocation.
Order the words for a sophisticated observation.
This formal structure emphasizes the 'inquestionável' (unquestionable) nature of the taste.
Fill in the blank with a sophisticated variation.
'Gosto apurado' implies a highly refined and sharp sense of taste.
Match the Portuguese variations with their English equivalents.
These variations allow for more precise descriptions of someone's aesthetic judgment.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality & Context Spectrum
Friends joking about a weird shirt.
Gosto duvidoso, hein?
Complimenting a friend's new song link.
Bom gosto!
Art director talking to a designer.
Você tem um bom gosto estético.
Critic reviewing a high-end gallery.
Demonstra um gosto apurado.
Where to use 'Bom Gosto'
Fashion
Para se vestir 👗
Music
Para música 🎧
Home
Para decoração 🏠
Dining
Para escolher vinhos 🍷
People
Para namorados(as) ❤️
Taste vs. Style vs. Class
Common Adjectives for 'Gosto'
Positive
- • Bom
- • Apurado
- • Refinado
- • Excelente
Negative
- • Mau
- • Duvidoso
- • Terrível
- • Péssimo
Practice Bank
12 exercisesEla ___ muito bom gosto para roupas.
In Portuguese, we 'have' (ter) good taste, we don't 'are' it.
Find and fix the mistake:
Eu sou bom gosto para música brasileira.
You must use the verb 'ter' (tenho) instead of 'ser' (sou).
How would you tell a friend they picked a great watch?
'Que bom gosto!' is a very common and natural exclamation of praise.
You have good taste.
Hints: have = ter, taste = gosto
A direct mapping of the English phrase using the verb 'ter'.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The order follows: Subject + Verb + Intensity + Adjective + Noun.
Ele tem bom gosto ___ escolher vinhos.
We use 'para' (or 'em') to indicate the field or category of the taste.
How do you say someone has questionable taste?
'Gosto duvidoso' is the standard way to express that someone's style is questionable.
She has great taste in movies.
Hints: movies = filmes, great taste = muito bom gosto
Remember to use 'para' for the category 'filmes'.
Find and fix the mistake:
O arquiteto é de um gosto muito bom em decorações.
Using 'é de um' is grammatically possible but 'tem um' is the natural collocation.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This formal structure emphasizes the 'inquestionável' (unquestionable) nature of the taste.
Para ser um bom curador, é preciso ter um gosto ___.
'Gosto apurado' implies a highly refined and sharp sense of taste.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These variations allow for more precise descriptions of someone's aesthetic judgment.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsNot directly. 'Ter bom gosto' is strictly about aesthetic and qualitative choices, like clothes, music, or art. If you want to say someone is a good person, you should say they have a 'bom caráter' or a 'bom coração'. Using 'bom gosto' would only mean they dress well or pick good movies, not that they are morally good.
The core meaning is identical in both variants. However, in Brazil, you might hear more informal intensifiers like 'bom gosto pra caramba', whereas in Portugal, the phrase might stay a bit more traditional. Both cultures value 'bom gosto' highly as a social asset and a sign of refinement.
The direct opposite is 'ter mau gosto' (to have bad taste). If you want to be a bit more subtle or polite while still being critical, you can say someone has a 'gosto duvidoso' (questionable taste). Saying 'ele não tem gosto nenhum' (he has no taste at all) is also a common, albeit harsher, way to say it.
It is much more natural to say 'ter bom gosto PARA música' or 'ter bom gosto EM música'. Using 'de' sounds a bit like a direct translation from English 'taste of music' and isn't quite idiomatic in Portuguese. Stick with 'para' for 90% of situations and you will sound like a native speaker.
It is a neutral expression, meaning it works in both formal and informal settings. You can say it to your boss about their office decor or to your best friend about their new Tinder match. It’s a versatile tool in your vocabulary because it never sounds out of place regardless of the social hierarchy.
In a professional design context, you can say 'Você tem um bom gosto estético' or 'Seu trabalho demonstra muito bom gosto'. Adding 'estético' makes the compliment feel more technical and focused on their professional skills rather than just a personal opinion. It’s highly appreciated in creative industries.
This is a very famous proverb that means 'there's no accounting for taste'. People use it to end an argument when two people like completely different things. It’s a polite way of saying 'I don't like what you like, but that's okay because everyone is different'. It acknowledges that 'bom gosto' can be subjective.
Yes, absolutely! If someone gives a very elegant speech or writes a beautiful card, you can say they have 'bom gosto com as palavras'. It implies they choose their words with care and refinement, avoiding vulgarity or clumsiness. It's a high-level compliment for a speaker or writer.
The word 'apurado' means refined, honed, or sharpened. So, 'ter um gosto apurado' means that your sense of taste has been developed over time and you are now an expert at spotting quality. It's like being a 'connoisseur' rather than just someone who happens to like nice things.
It’s rare, but you could use it if a player makes very 'elegant' or 'refined' moves on the field. For example, a soccer player who makes beautiful passes might be said to have 'bom gosto' in their style of play. However, words like 'talento' or 'habilidade' are much more common in sports.
Etymologically, they share the same root, 'gosto' (taste). However, in modern usage, they are very different. 'Bom gosto' is about aesthetic judgment and refinement. 'Gostoso' usually describes food that tastes good or a person who is physically attractive. Be careful not to mix them up in a professional setting!
You can say 'ele tem um gosto caro'. While 'bom gosto' doesn't necessarily mean expensive, 'gosto caro' specifically points to a preference for high-priced items. Interestingly, someone can have 'gosto caro' but actually have 'mau gosto' (bad taste) if they buy expensive things that look terrible!
Yes! If someone is wearing a great perfume, you can say 'Você tem bom gosto para perfumes'. It suggests they chose a scent that is sophisticated and matches their personality. It’s a very common and classy compliment to give someone in a social setting.
It is equally used and valued in both countries. Perhaps the 'style' of what is considered 'bom gosto' might vary slightly due to local fashion and culture, but the linguistic expression and its high social value are universal across the entire Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) world.
Yes, you can use superlatives. 'Ela tem o melhor gosto de todos' (She has the best taste of all). It’s a very strong way to praise someone’s aesthetic leadership in a group. It’s often used in friend groups when one person is always the 'fashion consultant' for the others.
Historically, it was associated with the upper class, but today it is seen as an intellectual or artistic quality. Many people believe that true 'bom gosto' is being able to make something look amazing without spending much money. It’s about the 'eye', not the bank account balance.
Definitely. You could say 'O diretor tem muito bom gosto visual'. This would refer to the cinematography, the sets, and the overall 'look' of the film. It’s a common phrase in film criticism to describe a director who has a consistent and beautiful aesthetic style.
A simple 'Obrigado(a), que gentil!' (Thank you, how kind!) is perfect. If you want to be a bit more modest, you can say 'Obrigado, fico feliz que tenha gostado' (Thank you, I'm glad you liked it). It’s a compliment that usually sparks a positive follow-up conversation about the item being praised.
Related Phrases
mau gosto
antonymbad taste
This is the direct opposite and is used to criticize someone's poor aesthetic choices or tacky style.
ter classe
related topicto have class
While 'bom gosto' is about choices, 'ter classe' is about overall elegance and behavior in social situations.
ter estilo
synonymto have style
This is a very close synonym often used in fashion to describe someone who looks cool and put-together.
gosto apurado
formal versionrefined taste
A more sophisticated version used to describe someone with an expert eye for quality and detail.
gosto duvidoso
related topicquestionable taste
A common euphemism used to politely suggest that someone's taste is not very good or is even tacky.