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A2 adjective #4,500 most common 11 min read

apetecível

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips apetecível in 30 Seconds

Explanation apetecível in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic use of 'apetecível': food. Think of it as a synonym for 'looks good to eat.' You might use it when looking at a picture of a cake or a delicious meal. At this stage, don't worry about the abstract meanings. Just remember that it describes things that make you hungry. For example, if you see a 'gelado' (ice cream) in the sun, you can say 'O gelado é apetecível.' It is a simple way to express that you want to eat something because of how it looks. Remember that the word doesn't change for boys or girls (masculine or feminine)—it stays 'apetecível' for both 'o bolo' and 'a sopa.' This makes it easier to use than many other Portuguese adjectives. You will mostly hear this word in restaurants or when people are talking about their favorite snacks. It's a 'level up' from just saying 'bom' (good).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'apetecível' to describe more than just food. You can use it for simple activities or situations that seem nice. For example, if the weather is beautiful, you might say 'O dia está apetecível para um passeio' (The day is desirable for a walk). You are now learning to connect the word to your own feelings of 'wanting' something. You should also practice the plural form, 'apetecíveis.' If you see many delicious fruits, you say 'As frutas são apetecíveis.' At this level, you are beginning to understand that the word comes from the verb 'apetecer' (to feel like/to crave). If someone asks 'Apetece-te um café?' (Do you feel like a coffee?), you can answer 'Sim, um café é muito apetecível agora.' This shows you are making connections between different parts of the language.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'apetecível' in a variety of contexts, including work and travel. You might describe a job offer as 'uma proposta apetecível' or a travel destination as 'um lugar apetecível.' You are starting to see the word in newspapers and advertisements. You should also be able to use adverbs to modify the word, such as 'extremamente apetecível' (extremely desirable) or 'pouco apetecível' (not very desirable). At this stage, you should understand the nuance between 'apetecível' and 'atraente.' While 'atraente' is about how something looks, 'apetecível' is about how much you want it. You can also use it to describe abstract ideas, like 'um descanso apetecível' (a desirable rest) after a long week of work. Your sentences should become more complex, using the word to justify your choices or opinions.

At the B2 level, 'apetecível' becomes a tool for professional and nuanced communication. You will use it to discuss market trends, investment opportunities, and complex social situations. For instance, you might analyze why a certain market is 'apetecível para investidores estrangeiros.' You should also be able to distinguish 'apetecível' from its more formal cousin 'desejável.' You understand that 'apetecível' carries a more sensory, subjective weight, whereas 'desejável' is more objective and clinical. You can use the word in debates or presentations to make your descriptions more vivid and persuasive. You are also expected to use the word correctly in writing, ensuring that the plural 'apetecíveis' and the accentuation are always accurate. You might also start to notice the word in literature, where it can describe more metaphorical 'appetites' like power or fame.

At the C1 level, you use 'apetecível' with stylistic precision. You understand its potential for irony or sarcasm. For example, you might describe a difficult task as 'nada apetecível' to emphasize your reluctance. You are fully aware of the word's etymological roots and how it relates to the concept of 'apetite' in a philosophical sense. In your writing, you use 'apetecível' to create atmosphere, perhaps describing a 'silêncio apetecível' (a desirable silence) that suggests a deep, almost physical need for peace. You can navigate the subtle registers of the word, knowing when it might sound too informal for a legal document but just right for a high-end marketing campaign. You are also familiar with related idioms and can use the word in complex structures, such as 'Tornar-se-ia mais apetecível se...' (It would become more desirable if...).

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'apetecível' and its place within the vast landscape of the Portuguese language. You can use it to discuss aesthetics, ethics, and human desire at a high level of abstraction. You might use it in a literary critique to describe the 'apetecível' nature of a character's downfall or in a sociological essay to discuss 'objetos apetecíveis' in a consumerist society. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its cognates in other Romance languages. You can play with the word, creating puns or using it in creative ways that push the boundaries of its standard definition, all while maintaining perfect grammatical and contextual accuracy. For you, 'apetecível' is not just a word for 'tasty,' but a nuanced descriptor for the entire spectrum of human attraction.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

apetecível in 30 Seconds

Apetecível means 'appetizing' or 'desirable'. It is used for food that looks good and for attractive opportunities like jobs or travel.
It is a uniform adjective, meaning it doesn't change for gender (masculine/feminine). The plural form is 'apetecíveis'.
Derived from the verb 'apetecer' (to crave), it focuses on the feeling of wanting something right now because of its appeal.
Common in restaurants, business news, and casual conversation to express that something is tempting or a 'good catch'.

The Portuguese word apetecível is a multifaceted adjective that primarily translates to 'appetizing' or 'desirable.' At its core, it describes something that triggers a sense of longing, craving, or attraction. While it is frequently used in the context of food—describing a meal that looks and smells so good you cannot wait to eat it—its utility extends far beyond the kitchen. In modern European and Brazilian Portuguese, apetecível is used to describe opportunities, career paths, climate conditions, and even aesthetic qualities of objects. It is the kind of word that bridges the gap between physical hunger and psychological ambition.

Literal Meaning: Relating to appetite; something that excites the desire to consume or possess.

When you walk past a bakery in Lisbon and see a tray of freshly baked pastéis de nata, the sight is inherently apetecível. However, if a recruiter offers you a high-paying job with six weeks of vacation, that professional offer is also apetecível. The word captures the essence of 'temptation' but usually carries a positive connotation, unlike the English word 'tempting' which can sometimes imply a trap or something forbidden. In Portuguese, if something is apetecível, it is generally considered good and worthy of pursuit.

O aspeto deste jantar está muito apetecível, não achas?

In social contexts, the word can be used to describe a person's appearance, though this is slightly more provocative and should be used with caution depending on the level of formality. It suggests a physical attractiveness that 'stirs the appetite,' similar to the English 'tasty' or 'dishy,' but it remains slightly more formal than those English slang terms. Most often, you will hear it in lifestyle magazines, cooking shows, and business negotiations where a 'desirable' outcome is being discussed.

Register: Neutral to Formal. It is perfectly acceptable in a business meeting or a casual dinner party.

A empresa apresentou uma proposta bastante apetecível para os investidores.

Understanding the suffix -ível is key to mastering this word. Similar to the English suffix -able or -ible, it denotes capability or worthiness. Therefore, apetecível literally means 'able to be craved' or 'worthy of being desired.' This structural understanding helps learners connect it to the verb apetecer (to feel like / to crave). If you feel like doing something (apetece-me), then that thing is apetecível.

Com este calor, um mergulho no mar parece-me muito apetecível.

Synonym Note: While 'tentador' (tempting) is a close synonym, 'apetecível' focuses more on the inherent quality of the object rather than the act of temptation itself.

A fruta fresca é sempre mais apetecível no verão.

Viver no campo tornou-se um estilo de vida muito apetecível ultimamente.

Using apetecível correctly requires an understanding of Portuguese adjective agreement and placement. Fortunately, as an adjective ending in -el, it is uniform in gender. This means you use the same form for both masculine and feminine nouns. For example, you would say um prato apetecível (a masculine noun) and uma sobremesa apetecível (a feminine noun). The only change occurs in the plural form, where the -el ending changes to -íveis. Thus, pratos apetecíveis and sobremesas apetecíveis.

Grammar Rule: Pluralization: Adjectives ending in -ível change to -íveis in the plural. Example: horrível -> horríveis; apetecível -> apetecíveis.

In terms of placement, apetecível usually follows the noun it modifies. This is standard for descriptive adjectives in Portuguese that provide a specific quality to the noun. For instance, 'uma oferta apetecível' (a desirable offer). Placing it before the noun is rare and would be considered highly poetic or emphatic, such as 'a apetecível iguaria' (the appetizing delicacy), which emphasizes the quality of being appetizing over the identity of the delicacy itself.

Eles têm planos muito apetecíveis para as férias de Natal.

When using the verb ser (to be) or parecer (to seem), apetecível acts as a subject complement. This is perhaps the most common way you will encounter the word. 'O menu parece apetecível' (The menu seems appetizing). It is also frequently used with the adverb muito (very) to increase intensity. Unlike some adjectives that have their own superlative forms, apetecível is usually intensified with muito or bastante.

Esta fatia de bolo não me parece nada apetecível.

Negation: To say something is not desirable, simply add 'pouco' (little) or 'nada' (nothing/not at all) before the word. Example: 'um destino pouco apetecível'.

A ideia de trabalhar ao fim de semana é pouco apetecível.

One final note on usage involves the preposition para. If you want to specify for whom something is desirable, use apetecível para [person/group]. For example, 'O mercado imobiliário em Portugal é muito apetecível para estrangeiros' (The real estate market in Portugal is very desirable for foreigners). This construction is vital for professional writing and journalism.

Aquela promoção é apetecível para qualquer consumidor atento.

Comparison: Use 'mais... do que' for comparisons. 'Esta maçã é mais apetecível do que aquela'.

Nada é mais apetecível do que um copo de água fresca após a corrida.

If you are traveling through Portugal or Brazil, you will encounter apetecível in several distinct environments. The most immediate is the culinary world. High-end restaurants often use this word in their menu descriptions or when servers describe the 'prato do dia' (daily special). It suggests a level of quality and visual appeal that 'gostoso' (tasty) doesn't quite capture. On television cooking competitions like MasterChef Portugal, judges frequently use apetecível to praise the plating and presentation of a dish.

Context: Real Estate & Tourism: Brochures and websites describing villas, hotels, or travel destinations use 'apetecível' to evoke a sense of luxury and comfort.

In the business and financial sections of newspapers like Público or Expresso, you will see the word applied to stocks, companies, or economic sectors. An 'empresa apetecível' is one that is ripe for acquisition or investment. Here, the word sheds its culinary skin and becomes a term of strategy and value. It implies that the asset has qualities that make it a 'must-have' for competitors or investors.

O setor das energias renováveis tornou-se muito apetecível para os bancos.

Socially, you might hear friends discussing weekend plans. If someone suggests a trip to the beach when the weather is perfect, a common response is 'Parece-me muito apetecível!' (That sounds very desirable/inviting!). In this colloquial sense, it functions much like 'sounds good' or 'I'm down for that,' but with a more expressive flair. It indicates that the suggestion has genuinely sparked interest.

Context: Literature: Authors use the word to describe forbidden fruits or tempting paths in a narrative, adding a layer of sensory temptation to the prose.

A vida na cidade grande já não era apetecível para o velho escritor.

Finally, in the realm of fashion and design, a 'coleção apetecível' (desirable collection) refers to clothing or products that are trendy and likely to sell well. It captures the 'buy-me' factor of a product. Whether it's a glossy magazine describing a new car or a blog post about the latest smartphone, apetecível is the go-to word for something that is both high-quality and highly wanted.

O novo design do iPhone é extremamente apetecível.

Usage Frequency: High in lifestyle, food, and business media; Moderate in everyday speech.

Eles criaram um ambiente de trabalho muito apetecível para os jovens talentos.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Portuguese is confusing apetecível with words that sound similar but have different meanings. For instance, do not confuse it with apetitoso. While both can mean 'appetizing', apetitoso is almost exclusively used for food and has a slightly more 'homely' or 'rustic' feel. Using apetitoso to describe a business deal would sound strange and incorrect.

Mistake: Gender Agreement: Thinking you need to change the ending to '-a' for feminine nouns. *A comida é apetecível* (Correct) vs. *A comida é apetecívila* (Incorrect).

Another common pitfall is the pluralization. Learners often try to add a simple 's' to make it apetecívels. Remember the rule for adjectives ending in -el: the 'l' drops and is replaced by -is, and the 'e' takes an accent if necessary. For apetecível, the plural is always apetecíveis. Forgetting that accent on the 'í' is a common spelling mistake even for native speakers in casual writing.

As propostas apetecíveis (plural) devem ser analisadas com cuidado.

Misusing the word in the context of people is another area for caution. While calling a person apetecível is grammatically correct, it is highly objectifying. It’s the equivalent of calling someone 'a snack' in English. In a professional or formal setting, this would be highly inappropriate. If you want to say someone is attractive in a respectful way, use atraente or bonito/a instead.

Mistake: Over-reliance: Using 'apetecível' for everything. Sometimes 'interessante' (interesting) or 'vantajoso' (advantageous) is more precise in a professional context.

Esta é uma oferta muito vantajosa (often better than apetecível for pure money talk).

Finally, learners often confuse the verb apetecer with gustar (gostar). While they both relate to liking, apetecer is about a specific desire in a specific moment (craving), while gostar is a general preference. Consequently, apetecível refers to something that triggers that specific, immediate craving or attraction. If you say a food is 'apetecível', you mean it looks good *right now*. If you say it is 'boa', you mean it is good in general.

Não me parece apetecível sair de casa com esta chuva.

Spelling Tip: Remember the 'c' before the 'í'. It comes from 'apetite'.

A sobremesa era tão apetecível que ninguém resistiu.

To truly master the nuances of apetecível, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each alternative carries a slightly different weight and is suited for different contexts. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a translation app.

Apetecível vs. Apetitoso: 'Apetitoso' is specifically for food. 'Apetecível' can be for food, but also for jobs, houses, and ideas. Use 'apetitoso' when talking about a juicy steak; use 'apetecível' when talking about a holiday in the Algarve.

Another close cousin is tentador (tempting). While apetecível describes the quality of being desirable, tentador implies that there might be a struggle or a choice involved. A 'proposta tentadora' suggests you might have to give up something else to take it, or that it’s almost too good to be true. Apetecível is more straightforwardly positive—it just looks or feels good.

A oferta de emprego era tentadora, mas o salário era pouco apetecível.

Apetecível vs. Atraente: 'Atraente' (attractive) is the standard word for physical beauty in people or aesthetic appeal in objects. 'Apetecível' adds a layer of 'wanting to consume or experience' that 'atraente' lacks.

In formal or academic contexts, you might use desejável (desirable). This is the most direct translation of the English 'desirable' and is often found in official documents or job requirements. For instance, 'Experiência prévia é desejável' (Previous experience is desirable). In these cases, apetecível would feel too emotional or sensory. Desejável is clinical; apetecível is visceral.

É desejável que os candidatos falem inglês.

Apetecível vs. Sedutor: 'Sedutor' (seductive) is much stronger and often has romantic or manipulative overtones. 'Apetecível' is safer for general use.

O aroma do café acabado de fazer é muito apetecível.

When describing a bargain or a great deal, you might use aliciante. This word specifically means 'alluring' or 'enticing' and is very common in marketing. 'Uma proposta aliciante' is almost the same as 'uma proposta apetecível', but aliciante suggests a stronger pull, almost like a hook. Using apetecível in these contexts is common, but aliciante shows a higher level of vocabulary.

O bónus de fim de ano tornou o cargo ainda mais aliciante.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-ível' is the Portuguese equivalent of '-able'. So 'apetecível' literally means 'cravable'. It is part of a large family of words ending in '-vel' that indicate possibility or worthiness.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɐ.pɨ.tɛ.ˈsi.vɛɫ/

US /a.pe.te.ˈsi.vew/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: a-pe-te-CÍ-vel.

Rhymes With

horrível possível terrível visível incrível sensível comível legível

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'l' like a clear English 'l'. It should be 'dark' (PT-PT) or 'w' (PT-BR).
Missing the accent on the 'í' in writing.
Stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., stressing the 'te').
Making the 'c' sound like a 'k'. It must be an 's' sound.
Not reducing the unstressed 'e's in European Portuguese.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the 'apetite' root.

Writing 4/5

The plural '-íveis' and the accent on 'í' can be tricky.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation of the unstressed syllables requires practice.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear in context, especially when talking about food or business.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

apetite apetecer bom comida querer

Learn Next

tentador aliciante desejável atraente vantajoso

Advanced

apetência concupiscível inexpugnável irresistível palatável

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -el (plural -éis/-íveis)

Incrível -> Incríveis; Apetecível -> Apetecíveis.

Adjective Agreement (Uniform Gender)

O plano (m) é apetecível; A ideia (f) é apetecível.

Position of Adjectives

Usually after the noun: 'uma oferta apetecível'.

Use of 'Para' with Adjectives

Apetecível para mim / para os investidores.

Adverbs of Intensity

Muito apetecível, bastante apetecível, pouco apetecível.

Examples by Level

Este bolo é muito apetecível.

This cake is very appetizing.

Adjective follows the noun 'bolo'.

A fruta parece apetecível.

The fruit looks appetizing.

Used with the verb 'parecer' (to seem).

O sumo de laranja é apetecível no verão.

Orange juice is desirable in the summer.

Singular masculine agreement.

A sopa não está apetecível.

The soup is not appetizing.

Negation with 'não'.

Que chocolate apetecível!

What appetizing chocolate!

Exclamative sentence.

O pão está quente e apetecível.

The bread is warm and appetizing.

Two adjectives describing one noun.

Eu quero aquela maçã apetecível.

I want that appetizing apple.

Adjective modifying 'maçã'.

O almoço parece apetecível hoje.

Lunch looks appetizing today.

Temporal adverb 'hoje' at the end.

O dia está apetecível para ir à praia.

The day is desirable for going to the beach.

Used to describe a situation/weather.

Estas sobremesas são muito apetecíveis.

These desserts are very appetizing.

Plural form 'apetecíveis'.

Um café agora seria muito apetecível.

A coffee now would be very desirable.

Conditional tense 'seria'.

A proposta de férias é apetecível.

The holiday proposal is desirable.

Abstract usage for a proposal.

Não acho este plano muito apetecível.

I don't find this plan very desirable.

Verb 'achar' + adjective.

O peixe fresco é sempre mais apetecível.

Fresh fish is always more appetizing.

Comparative 'mais...'

Eles têm casas muito apetecíveis para alugar.

They have very desirable houses for rent.

Plural agreement with 'casas'.

O cheiro da comida é apetecível.

The smell of the food is appetizing.

Describing a sensory experience.

A empresa ofereceu um salário bastante apetecível.

The company offered a quite desirable salary.

Adverb of intensity 'bastante'.

Este destino tornou-se apetecível para os jovens.

This destination became desirable for young people.

Preposition 'para' indicating target group.

Nada me parece mais apetecível do que um banho quente.

Nothing seems more desirable to me than a hot bath.

Comparative structure 'mais... do que'.

O mercado imobiliário está muito apetecível este ano.

The real estate market is very desirable this year.

Business context.

Ela apresentou um projeto muito apetecível para a direção.

She presented a very desirable project to the board.

Professional context.

As condições de trabalho não são nada apetecíveis.

The working conditions are not desirable at all.

Emphatic negation 'nada apetecíveis'.

Um fim de semana no campo parece-me apetecível.

A weekend in the country seems desirable to me.

Reflexive pronoun 'me' with 'parecer'.

O menu de degustação é extremamente apetecível.

The tasting menu is extremely appetizing.

Adverb 'extremamente'.

A fusão das duas empresas criou um grupo muito apetecível para os investidores.

The merger of the two companies created a very desirable group for investors.

Complex sentence structure.

Embora o cargo seja apetecível, as responsabilidades são enormes.

Although the position is desirable, the responsibilities are enormous.

Conjunction 'embora' + subjunctive 'seja'.

O design minimalista torna o produto mais apetecível no mercado global.

The minimalist design makes the product more desirable in the global market.

Verb 'tornar' (to make/render).

Considero a tua proposta pouco apetecível dadas as circunstâncias.

I consider your proposal not very desirable given the circumstances.

Verb 'considerar' + direct object + adjective.

A região do Alentejo é cada vez mais apetecível para o turismo sustentável.

The Alentejo region is increasingly desirable for sustainable tourism.

Expression 'cada vez mais' (more and more).

O bónus de desempenho é um incentivo muito apetecível.

The performance bonus is a very desirable incentive.

Noun-adjective pair.

Aquelas ações tornaram-se apetecíveis após a queda do preço.

Those stocks became desirable after the price drop.

Plural agreement 'ações' and 'apetecíveis'.

Não é apetecível investir num setor tão instável.

It is not desirable to invest in such an unstable sector.

Impersonal 'Não é...' construction.

A perspetiva de uma reforma antecipada era-lhe extremamente apetecível.

The prospect of early retirement was extremely desirable to him/her.

Dative pronoun 'lhe' attached to the verb.

O autor descreve a tentação de forma tão apetecível que o leitor quase a sente.

The author describes the temptation in such an appetizing way that the reader almost feels it.

Consecutive clause 'tão... que'.

Trata-se de um nicho de mercado ainda pouco explorado, mas muito apetecível.

It is a market niche that is still little explored, but very desirable.

Formal 'Trata-se de' construction.

A quietude daquela aldeia remota era apetecível para quem fugia do caos urbano.

The quietude of that remote village was desirable for those fleeing urban chaos.

Abstract noun 'quietude'.

O cargo de diretor, outrora apetecível, perdera o seu brilho.

The position of director, once desirable, had lost its luster.

Use of 'outrora' (formerly) and pluperfect 'perdera'.

Apesar do risco, o lucro potencial tornava a operação apetecível.

Despite the risk, the potential profit made the operation desirable.

Concession 'Apesar de'.

O aspeto visual da interface deve ser apetecível para garantir a retenção do utilizador.

The visual appearance of the interface must be desirable to ensure user retention.

Infinitive 'garantir' following 'para'.

Raramente encontramos uma conjunção de fatores tão apetecível para o sucesso.

We rarely find such a desirable conjunction of factors for success.

Adverb 'Raramente' causing inversion (if formal).

A apetecível ambiguidade da sua prosa convida a múltiplas interpretações hermenêuticas.

The desirable ambiguity of his/her prose invites multiple hermeneutic interpretations.

Adjective placed before the noun for emphasis.

Numa sociedade de consumo, o efémero torna-se paradoxalmente mais apetecível.

In a consumer society, the ephemeral paradoxically becomes more desirable.

Philosophical context.

A sua retórica, embora apetecível ao ouvido, carecia de substância lógica.

His/her rhetoric, although desirable to the ear, lacked logical substance.

Adjective phrase 'apetecível ao ouvido'.

O poder, por mais apetecível que pareça, acarreta um fardo ético inalienável.

Power, however desirable it may seem, carries an inalienable ethical burden.

Concessive structure 'por mais... que'.

A estética do decadente pode ser, para certos artistas, extremamente apetecível.

The aesthetic of the decadent can be, for certain artists, extremely desirable.

High-level artistic discussion.

Tornar a virtude apetecível num mundo de vícios é o grande desafio da pedagogia moderna.

To make virtue desirable in a world of vices is the great challenge of modern pedagogy.

Gerund-like infinitive usage.

A apetecível promessa de utopia serviu, amiúde, de pretexto para regimes totalitários.

The desirable promise of utopia often served as a pretext for totalitarian regimes.

Use of 'amiúde' (often).

A configuração geopolítica atual torna a neutralidade uma opção pouco apetecível.

The current geopolitical configuration makes neutrality a less than desirable option.

Political analysis.

Common Collocations

proposta apetecível

aspeto apetecível

preço apetecível

destino apetecível

mercado apetecível

salário apetecível

menu apetecível

imagem apetecível

plano apetecível

condições apetecíveis

Common Phrases

parece-me apetecível

— Sounds good to me / I find it desirable. Used to agree with a suggestion.

Ir jantar fora hoje? Parece-me apetecível!

nada apetecível

— Not desirable at all. Often used to express reluctance.

Trabalhar até tarde não é nada apetecível.

tornar-se apetecível

— To become desirable over time or due to a change in circumstances.

Com o novo aeroporto, a zona tornou-se apetecível.

muito apetecível

— Very desirable/appetizing. The most common intensification.

Este gelado está muito apetecível.

pouco apetecível

— Not very desirable. A polite way to say something is unattractive.

A oferta era pouco apetecível para ele.

extremamente apetecível

— Extremely desirable. High emphasis used in marketing or strong opinions.

O novo modelo é extremamente apetecível.

aspeto apetecível

— Appetizing look. Specifically for visual appeal.

Que aspeto apetecível tem esse bolo!

proposta apetecível para

— A desirable proposal for [someone].

É uma proposta apetecível para investidores.

mais apetecível do que

— More desirable than. Used in comparisons.

Dormir é mais apetecível do que estudar.

considerar apetecível

— To consider something desirable.

Muitos consideram apetecível viver em Lisboa.

Often Confused With

apetecível vs apetitoso

Apetitoso is only for food; apetecível is for food and opportunities.

apetecível vs apreciável

Apreciável means 'considerable' or 'worthy of appreciation' (e.g., a large amount), not necessarily 'desirable'.

apetecível vs aprazível

Aprazível means 'pleasant' or 'enjoyable' (usually for places/climates), while apetecível implies a stronger desire.

Idioms & Expressions

"abrir o apetite"

— To whet the appetite. Related to the root of apetecível.

Esta caminhada abriu-me o apetite.

informal

"comer com os olhos"

— To eat with one's eyes. Used when something is so apetecível you can't stop looking.

Ele está a comer o bolo com os olhos.

informal

"de água na boca"

— Mouth-watering. Often used alongside apetecível.

A sobremesa deixou-me de água na boca.

neutral

"um petisco"

— A snack / a treat. Often used to describe an 'apetecível' person (slang).

Aquele rapaz é um petisco.

informal/slang

"cair no goto"

— To take a liking to something/someone immediately.

A nova proposta caiu-lhe no goto.

informal

"encher o olho"

— To be visually satisfying or impressive.

A decoração da casa enche o olho.

neutral

"dar o braço a torcer"

— To give in or admit something is good/true (like admitting a plan is apetecível).

Tive de dar o braço a torcer, o plano é bom.

informal

"não ser flor que se cheire"

— To not be a 'flower to be smelled' (not desirable/trustworthy).

Cuidado com ele, não é flor que se cheire.

informal

"estar na berra"

— To be in fashion/trendy (and thus apetecível).

Este tipo de sapatos está na berra.

informal

"ouro sobre azul"

— The best of both worlds / perfect (the ultimate apetecível situation).

Férias pagas e bom tempo? É ouro sobre azul.

neutral

Easily Confused

apetecível vs apetitoso

Both relate to appetite.

Apetitoso is strictly culinary. You can't have an 'apetitoso' salary.

O bife está apetitoso.

apetecível vs atraente

Both mean attractive.

Atraente is more about visual beauty. Apetecível is more about the urge to have/do something.

Uma proposta atraente vs. Uma proposta apetecível (very similar, but apetecível is more visceral).

apetecível vs tentador

Both imply a pull towards something.

Tentador often has a slightly negative or risky connotation (temptation). Apetecível is usually purely positive.

Uma oferta tentadora (might be a trap).

apetecível vs desejável

Direct translations of desirable.

Desejável is formal and clinical. Apetecível is sensory and expressive.

É desejável que chova (It is desirable/needed that it rains).

apetecível vs gostoso

Both mean good/tasty.

Gostoso is informal and refers to the actual taste. Apetecível is more about the appeal before you taste it.

Este bolo é muito gostoso!

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] é apetecível.

O bolo é apetecível.

Parece-me [Adverb] apetecível.

Parece-me muito apetecível.

Uma [Noun] apetecível para [Person].

Uma oferta apetecível para os clientes.

Tornar [Noun] mais apetecível.

Tornar o produto mais apetecível.

Embora seja apetecível, [Contrasting Clause].

Embora seja apetecível, o risco é alto.

A apetecível [Abstract Noun] de [Concept].

A apetecível liberdade de pensamento.

Nada é mais apetecível do que [Infinitive].

Nada é mais apetecível do que descansar.

[Noun Plural] são apetecíveis.

As frutas são apetecíveis.

Word Family

Nouns

apetite (appetite)

apetência (inclination/appetite for something)

Verbs

apetecer (to feel like / to crave)

Adjectives

apetecível (desirable)

apetitoso (appetizing)

desejo (desire)

vontade (will/desire)

tentação (temptation)

atração (attraction)

gosto (taste/like)

How to Use It

frequency

High in media, moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Apetecívela → Apetecível
Trying to make the adjective feminine. It is uniform for both genders.
Apetecívels → Apetecíveis
Incorrect pluralization. Adjectives in -el change to -éis or -íveis.
Apetecivel → Apetecível
Forgetting the acute accent on the 'í'.
Using it for people in a business meeting. → Atraente / Interessante
It sounds too much like you want to 'eat' them, which is inappropriate.
Confusing it with 'apreciável'. → Apetecível
'Apreciável' means a significant amount (e.g., an appreciable difference), not a desirable thing.

Tips

Uniform Adjectives

Remember that adjectives ending in -el don't change for gender. This saves you from worrying about 'o' vs 'a' endings!

Beyond Food

Challenge yourself to use 'apetecível' for non-food items like a book, a movie, or a weekend plan to sound more advanced.

The Stressed Í

Always put the stress on the 'í'. It's a-pe-te-CÍ-vel. Getting the stress right is 80% of being understood in Portuguese.

Accent Mark

Don't forget the acute accent (´) on the 'í'. It's required in both singular and plural forms.

Complimenting the Cook

If you are a guest in a Portuguese home, saying 'Tudo parece muito apetecível!' before you start eating is a very polite gesture.

Market Talk

Use 'apetecível' when describing a target market or a potential partner to show you have a good grasp of professional vocabulary.

Comparison

Use 'nada apetecível' to politely decline something you really don't want to do.

Root Word

Connect it to 'Appetite'. If it gives you an appetite (for food or for life), it's apetecível.

Agreement

Use 'Parece-me apetecível' instead of just 'Sim' or 'OK' to show more personality in conversations.

The 'C' vs 'S'

Even though it sounds like an 's', it's spelled with a 'c'. Think of 'apetite' + 'e' + 'cível'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'Appetite' for a 'Civil' (civilized) meal. A-PETE-CÍVEL. When something is apetecível, your appetite says yes!

Visual Association

Imagine a shiny, red apple sitting on a silver platter. It looks so perfect that you immediately want to grab it. That visual 'pull' is exactly what 'apetecível' describes.

Word Web

Apetite Apetecer Comida Desejo Oferta Vantagem Atraente Tentador

Challenge

Try to use 'apetecível' today to describe something that isn't food—like a movie you want to watch or a place you want to visit.

Word Origin

From the Portuguese verb 'apetecer', which comes from the Latin 'appetere' (to strive after, to long for, to desire). The Latin root consists of 'ad-' (to) + 'petere' (to seek/aim at).

Original meaning: To seek after or move toward something one desires.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Avoid using it to describe people in professional settings as it can sound objectifying.

English speakers often use 'appetizing' only for food. In Portuguese, remember to expand your usage to jobs, homes, and weather.

Often used in Portuguese lifestyle magazines like 'Caras' or 'Sábado' to describe luxury items. Heard in cooking shows like 'O Chef Sou Eu' or 'MasterChef Portugal'. Common in real estate slogans for luxury developments in the Algarve.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

O prato do dia parece apetecível.
As sobremesas são muito apetecíveis.
Tem um aspeto apetecível.
Não me parece nada apetecível.

Job Interview / Career

A vossa proposta é muito apetecível.
Procuro um cargo mais apetecível.
As condições salariais são apetecíveis.
É um projeto apetecível para a minha carreira.

Travel Planning

Este hotel parece muito apetecível.
A Grécia é um destino apetecível.
Um cruzeiro seria apetecível.
Não é uma zona muito apetecível para turistas.

Shopping / Marketing

O novo design é apetecível.
Temos preços muito apetecíveis.
É um produto apetecível para o mercado.
A embalagem torna o produto apetecível.

Casual Plans

Parece-me apetecível ir ao parque.
Um café agora era apetecível.
Dormir uma sesta seria apetecível.
Não me parece apetecível sair agora.

Conversation Starters

"Qual é o prato mais apetecível que já comeste em Portugal?"

"Acharias apetecível viver numa ilha deserta por um mês?"

"Que tipo de proposta de emprego seria apetecível para ti agora?"

"Parece-te apetecível fazer uma viagem de mochila às costas pela Ásia?"

"Qual destas sobremesas no menu te parece mais apetecível?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve uma refeição apetecível que tiveste recentemente. O que a tornou tão especial?

Se pudesses mudar de carreira, que tipo de cargo seria apetecível para ti e porquê?

Escreve sobre um destino de viagem que consideras apetecível, mas que ainda não visitaste.

O que torna uma pessoa apetecível (no sentido de interessante ou atraente) na tua opinião?

Reflete sobre uma situação que parecia apetecível ao início, mas que acabou por ser uma desilusão.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but be careful. It means the person is 'tasty' or 'dishy'. It is informal and can be objectifying. In a professional setting, stick to 'atraente' or 'competente'. In a romantic context, it is a strong compliment but quite physical.

It is common in both, but used more frequently in Portugal for abstract things like jobs or weather. In Brazil, 'atrativo' or 'interessante' might be used more for business, while 'apetecível' is kept more for food.

The plural is 'apetecíveis'. Note the change from '-el' to '-íveis' and the addition of the accent on the 'í'. This is a standard rule for adjectives ending in '-ível'.

Usually, it is positive. However, you can use it with 'pouco' or 'nada' to describe something unattractive, like 'uma tarefa nada apetecível' (a task that is not at all desirable).

You say 'mais apetecível'. For example: 'Esta maçã é mais apetecível do que aquela'. Portuguese doesn't have a single word for 'appetizing-er'.

Saboroso refers to the taste (flavorful). Apetecível refers to the appeal or desire (appetizing). A dish can look apetecível but not be saboroso once you eat it.

It is a neutral word. It is formal enough for a business meeting or a newspaper article, but casual enough for a dinner with friends.

Not directly. The related nouns are 'apetite' (appetite) or 'apetência' (inclination/appetite for something). You would describe the 'qualidade de ser apetecível'.

No. It is a uniform adjective. 'O bolo apetecível' and 'A sopa apetecível' are both correct.

The verbs 'ser' (to be) and 'parecer' (to seem) are the most common. 'A oferta é apetecível' or 'O jantar parece apetecível'.