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A2 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

deliciar

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips deliciar in 30 Seconds

Explanation deliciar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'deliciar' as a very strong version of 'gostar' (to like). Although it's a bit advanced for beginners, you might see it on menus or in simple advertisements. Imagine you are eating your favorite ice cream. You don't just like it; you are very happy eating it. That feeling is 'deliciar-se'. At this stage, focus on the noun 'delícia' (a delight), which is easier to use. You can say 'Este bolo é uma delícia!' (This cake is a delight/delicious). As you progress, you will start to see the verb 'deliciar' used to describe things that make people happy, like a beautiful day or a yummy snack. It's a 'happy' word that helps you express that something is better than just 'good'. Just remember: 'deliciar' is the action, and 'delícia' is the thing.

At the A2 level, you should start learning how to use 'deliciar' as a verb, especially in its reflexive form 'deliciar-se'. This is the level where you learn about reflexive pronouns like 'me', 'te', and 'se'. You can use 'deliciar-se' to talk about your hobbies or things you enjoy doing in your free time. For example, 'Eu me delicio com chocolate' (I delight myself with chocolate). Notice the word 'com' (with) after the verb. This is very important. You can also use it to describe what other things do to people. 'A música delicia as pessoas' (The music delights the people). It's a great word to use when you want to sound a bit more descriptive than just using 'gostar'. Try using it when talking about food, music, or a nice view during your travels.

At the B1 level, you can use 'deliciar' to add variety and sophistication to your descriptions. Instead of always saying 'Eu gosto muito de...', you can say 'Eu me delicio com...'. This shows a higher level of Portuguese. You should be able to use it in different tenses, like the past (Pretérito Perfeito): 'Nós nos deliciamos com o jantar ontem' (We delighted ourselves with the dinner yesterday). You will also notice 'deliciar' in more varied contexts, such as travel brochures or movie reviews. It’s used to describe experiences that are high quality. For example, 'O filme deliciou o público com suas cores vibrantes' (The film delighted the audience with its vibrant colors). At this level, you should also be comfortable using it with auxiliary verbs like 'ir' or 'querer': 'Eu vou me deliciar nesta viagem' (I'm going to enjoy myself on this trip).

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance between 'deliciar' and its synonyms like 'encantar', 'maravilhar', or 'agradar'. You can use 'deliciar' to describe not just sensory pleasures, but also intellectual ones. For example, 'A leitura deste ensaio deliciou os acadêmicos' (The reading of this essay delighted the academics). You should be able to use the verb in more complex sentence structures, including the passive voice or in subordinate clauses. You will also encounter it in literature and more formal journalism. Understanding the cultural weight of the word—how it relates to the Portuguese appreciation for 'the good life'—is also key at this stage. You might use it in a debate or a presentation to describe the positive impact of a proposal: 'Esta iniciativa vai deliciar os cidadãos que buscam mais áreas verdes'.

At the C1 level, 'deliciar' becomes a tool for precise and evocative expression. You can use it to create specific moods in your writing or speaking. You understand that 'deliciar' implies a certain level of refinement and conscious enjoyment. You might use it in literary analysis to describe how an author's style 'delicia o leitor' through metaphor and rhythm. You are also aware of its less common uses, such as in the future subjunctive or personal infinitive: 'Para que possamos nos deliciar com a festa, tudo deve estar pronto'. You can use the word to describe complex, multi-layered experiences where pleasure is derived from many different sources simultaneously. Your usage should feel natural and effortless, reflecting a deep understanding of Portuguese collocations and stylistic choices.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'deliciar' and its place in the vast landscape of the Portuguese language. You can use it with poetic flair, perhaps employing it in metaphors or using its archaic forms if the context requires a classical tone. You understand its etymological roots in Latin and how it connects to other Romance languages. You can distinguish between the subtle differences in usage between European and Brazilian Portuguese (such as pronoun placement and frequency). You might use 'deliciar' in a philosophical context to discuss the nature of pleasure and aesthetics. Your ability to use the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, allowing you to convey the most subtle shades of delight and satisfaction in any communicative situation, from a formal speech to a lyrical poem.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

deliciar in 30 Seconds

Deliciar is a Portuguese verb meaning to please greatly or provide intense sensory satisfaction.
It is most commonly used in the reflexive form 'deliciar-se com' to mean 'to enjoy oneself with'.
The word is frequently associated with high-quality food, art, music, and beautiful travel experiences.
It is a regular -ar verb that adds a touch of sophistication and depth to your descriptions of pleasure.

The Portuguese verb deliciar is a sophisticated and evocative word that describes the act of providing intense pleasure, joy, or satisfaction to someone. While it is often associated with the culinary world, its reach extends far beyond the dining table into the realms of art, nature, and personal experiences. In its most basic form, to deliciar is to enchant the senses or the mind. When you encounter a piece of music that makes you lose track of time, or a sunset that leaves you breathless, those experiences are said to deliciar the observer. It carries a connotation of luxury and deep appreciation, moving past simple 'liking' into the territory of genuine 'delight'.

Core Concept: The fundamental essence of deliciar is the transmission of a high-quality sensory or emotional reward. It is not just about being 'nice'; it is about being exquisite.

Esta melodia vai deliciar todos os ouvintes do concerto.

In common usage, you will frequently see this verb used reflexively: deliciar-se. This shift changes the meaning from 'to delight someone' to 'to delight oneself' or 'to indulge in'. For example, if you are eating a particularly delicious piece of chocolate, you are not just eating it; you are deliciando-se com o chocolate. This reflexive usage is incredibly common in Portuguese culture, which places a high value on the slow enjoyment of life's pleasures, such as a long lunch with family or a walk along the coast.

Reflexive Nuance: Using 'deliciar-se' implies an active participation in the pleasure. It suggests that the person is consciously savoring the moment, whether it be a meal, a book, or a conversation.

Ele gosta de se deliciar com a leitura de clássicos portugueses nas tardes de domingo.

Culturally, the word evokes the Portuguese concept of 'bem-estar' (well-being). It is often found in advertisements for high-end food products, luxury travel packages, and cultural events. If a chef says their new menu will deliciar os seus sentidos, they are promising a multi-sensory journey. The word is slightly more formal than 'gostar' (to like) or 'adorar' (to love/adore), making it perfect for reviews, formal invitations, or poetic descriptions.

As paisagens do Douro podem deliciar até o viajante mais experiente.

Social Context: In social settings, using 'deliciar' shows a high level of appreciation and education. It indicates that you are a person of refined taste who notices the finer details of an experience.

O anfitrião preparou uma sobremesa que vai deliciar todos os convidados.

Vamos nos deliciar com este vinho tinto da região do Alentejo.

Understanding 'deliciar' is a gateway to understanding the Portuguese emphasis on the quality of life. It’s not just about consuming; it’s about the joy of the experience itself.

Using deliciar correctly requires understanding its transitive nature and its very common reflexive form. As a regular -ar verb, its conjugation follows the standard patterns, but its placement in a sentence depends heavily on whether you are the source of the delight or the recipient. When acting as a transitive verb (someone delights someone else), the structure is [Subject] + [deliciar] + [Object]. For example, 'A música delicia a plateia' (The music delights the audience). Here, the music is performing the action.

Transitive Usage: The focus is on the external cause of the pleasure. The subject is usually an object, an experience, or a person providing a service.

O novo livro da autora promete deliciar os fãs de mistério.

The reflexive form, deliciar-se, is arguably more frequent in spoken Portuguese. This form is used when you want to say that you are enjoying something. The structure becomes [Subject] + [Reflexive Pronoun] + [deliciar] + [com] + [Object]. For instance, 'Eu me delicio com um bom café' (I delight myself with a good coffee). Note the mandatory use of the preposition 'com'. Without 'com', the sentence feels incomplete to a native speaker.

Reflexive Structure: Subject + Pronoun (me/te/se/nos/vos/se) + Verb + 'com' + Source of pleasure.

Nós nos deliciamos com o jantar maravilhoso ontem à noite.

In more complex sentences, 'deliciar' can be used in the infinitive after auxiliary verbs like 'querer' (to want), 'poder' (can/may), or 'ir' (going to). This is very useful for expressing intentions or future possibilities. 'Eu vou me deliciar nesta viagem' (I am going to enjoy myself/delight myself on this trip). You can also use 'deliciar' in the passive voice, though it is less common and sounds quite formal. 'A plateia foi deliciada pela performance' (The audience was delighted by the performance). However, it is much more natural to say 'A performance deliciou a plateia'.

Common Tenses: Present: Eu me delicio. Past (Preterite): Eu me deliciei. Future: Eu me deliciarei.

Se você provar este bolo, vai se deliciar com o sabor intenso de cacau.

As crianças se deliciavam no parque todas as manhãs.

Espero que este presente possa deliciar o seu coração.

By mastering these patterns, you can express deep appreciation in a way that sounds natural and sophisticated to native speakers.

You will encounter deliciar in a variety of contexts that emphasize quality and enjoyment. One of the most prominent places is in the world of gastronomy. In Portugal and Brazil, food is not just sustenance; it is a cultural cornerstone. Cooking shows, restaurant reviews, and food blogs are saturated with this word. A critic might write, 'O chef conseguiu deliciar o júri com uma combinação audaz de sabores tropicais' (The chef managed to delight the jury with a bold combination of tropical flavors). If you visit a high-end restaurant in Lisbon, the waiter might describe a dessert as something that will 'deliciar o seu paladar' (delight your palate).

Gastronomy: Used to describe the sensory experience of eating high-quality or expertly prepared food.

O aroma do café fresco costuma deliciar os clientes logo pela manhã.

Another common setting is in travel and tourism literature. Brochures and travel websites use 'deliciar' to paint a picture of idyllic experiences. They might talk about 'deliciar-se com as águas cristalinas do Algarve' (delighting oneself with the crystal-clear waters of the Algarve) or 'deliciar-se com a arquitetura histórica de Ouro Preto'. The word here serves to elevate the destination from a mere place to visit to a source of profound pleasure.

Tourism & Travel: Employed to evoke a sense of luxury, relaxation, and sensory beauty in travel descriptions.

Ao chegar ao topo da montanha, pudemos nos deliciar com uma vista panorâmica incrível.

In literature and the arts, 'deliciar' is used to describe the impact of a masterpiece. A theater review might state that a performance 'deliciou o público do início ao fim'. It is also a favorite in poetry and classic novels, where authors like Eça de Queirós or Machado de Assis might use it to describe a character's internal state of bliss. You might also hear it in more intimate, everyday settings. A grandparent might tell a grandchild, 'Vou fazer um doce que te vai deliciar' (I'm going to make a sweet that will delight you). It conveys a sense of care and the desire to provide happiness.

Everyday Warmth: Used by friends and family to express the intention of providing joy through small gestures or gifts.

Não há nada como se deliciar com um banho quente após um dia de trabalho cansativo.

O museu abriu uma nova exposição que promete deliciar os amantes da arte moderna.

Ela se deliciava ouvindo as histórias que o avô contava sobre o mar.

Whether you are reading a menu, a novel, or listening to a friend, 'deliciar' signals a moment of high-quality positive experience.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with deliciar is confusing the verb with its related noun, delícia. While they share the same root, they are used differently. You cannot say 'I am deliciar this cake'; you must say 'I am delighting myself with this cake' (Eu estou me deliciando com este bolo) or simply say 'This cake is a delight' (Este bolo é uma delícia). Using the verb as a noun or vice-versa is a common slip-up for beginners.

Verb vs. Noun: Deliciar is the action (to delight). Delícia is the thing (a delight). Ensure you use the verb forms when describing the process of enjoying.

Errado: O jantar foi deliciar. Correto: O jantar foi uma delícia.

Another common mistake is omitting the reflexive pronoun when the subject is the one experiencing the pleasure. If you say 'Eu deliciei o chocolate', it sounds like you (the person) were the source of delight for the chocolate, which is nonsensical. To say you enjoyed the chocolate, you must say 'Eu me deliciei com o chocolate'. The reflexive pronoun is essential to indicate that the pleasure is being felt by the subject.

Missing Reflexive Pronoun: When you are the one enjoying something, you must use 'me', 'te', 'se', 'nos', or 'vos'.

Errado: Nós deliciamos com a música. Correto: Nós nos deliciamos com a música.

Overusing the word is also a subtle mistake. While 'deliciar' is a beautiful word, using it for every minor pleasure can make your speech sound overly dramatic or artificial. For simple things like liking a movie, 'gostar' or 'curtir' (informal) are often more appropriate. Save 'deliciar' for experiences that are truly special or high-quality.

Contextual Overuse: Using 'deliciar' for mundane tasks like 'deliciar-se com a limpeza da casa' might sound sarcastic or strange unless the cleaning was exceptionally pleasurable.

Dica: Use 'gostar' para o dia a dia e deliciar para momentos de exceção.

Lastly, watch out for the spelling. Because of the 'i' and 'c', some learners might accidentally spell it 'deliciar' with an 's' or forget the second 'i'. It follows the root 'delícia', so keeping that noun in mind can help with the spelling.

Lembre-se: d-e-l-i-c-i-a-r. Duas letras 'i' e um 'c'.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more polished and natural.

To expand your vocabulary beyond deliciar, it is helpful to look at synonyms that carry slightly different shades of meaning. The most direct synonym is often encantar (to enchant). While 'deliciar' focuses on the pleasure received, 'encantar' focuses on the magical or captivating quality of the source. If a garden is beautiful, it might 'deliciar' your eyes, but it 'encanta' your soul.

Deliciar vs. Encantar: Deliciar: Sensory pleasure and satisfaction. Encantar: Fascination and attraction.

A vista do mar pode deliciar o olhar, enquanto o som das ondas nos encanta.

Another alternative is maravilhar (to marvel/amaze). This word is stronger and implies a sense of wonder or awe. You 'deliciar-se' with a good meal, but you 'maravilhar-se' with a feat of engineering or a stunning natural phenomenon like the Grand Canyon.

Deliciar vs. Maravilhar: Deliciar: Intense enjoyment. Maravilhar: Overwhelming wonder or surprise.

Eles se maravilharam com a imensidão do deserto.

For food specifically, you might use saborear (to savor). This verb is more technical; it refers to the physical act of tasting and enjoying the flavors of food or drink. 'Deliciar-se' is the emotional result of 'saborear'. In Brazilian Portuguese, curtir is a very popular informal alternative. It means 'to enjoy' or 'to like', similar to 'liking' a post on social media. While you wouldn't use 'curtir' in a formal poem, it is perfect for hanging out with friends.

Deliciar vs. Curtir: Deliciar: High-register, sensory focus. Curtir: Low-register, general enjoyment.

Vamos curtir a praia hoje? (Informal Brazilian)

A exposição de arte vai agradar a todos os visitantes.

É importante saborear cada momento da vida.

Knowing these alternatives allows you to choose the exact level of intensity and formality for the situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is a 'cousin' to the English word 'delicious' and 'delight', sharing the same ancient root that implies being lured or charmed by something pleasant.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dɨ.li.si.ˈaɾ/

US /de.li.si.ˈaɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable: 'ar'.

Rhymes With

amar cantar falar olhar pensar jantar mar lugar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'c' as a 'k' sound.
Stressing the second-to-last syllable (de-LI-ciar) instead of the last.
Ignoring the second 'i' and saying 'delicar'.
Pronouncing the final 'r' like an English 'r' (rhotic).
Making the 'e' too long like 'dee-li-ciar'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognates like 'delicious'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of reflexive pronouns and prepositions.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of 'ci' and final 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, usually stressed at the end.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

gostar comer prazer bom com

Learn Next

encantar maravilhar saborear desfrutar aproveitar

Advanced

deleite aprazer extasiar regozijar-se

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronouns

Eu **me** delicio, Tu **te** delicias, Ele **se** delicia.

Preposition 'Com'

Deliciar-se **com** a música (Not 'de' or 'em').

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Eu deliciei, Tu deliciaste, Ele deliciou.

Pronoun Placement (Clitics)

Portugal: Deliciar-me; Brazil: Me deliciar.

Future with 'Ir'

Vou deliciar (I am going to delight).

Examples by Level

Este bolo vai deliciar você.

This cake will delight you.

Simple future with 'vai' + infinitive.

A maçã é uma delícia.

The apple is a delight (delicious).

Using the noun 'delícia'.

Eu gosto de me deliciar com doces.

I like to delight myself with sweets.

Reflexive 'me' before the verb.

O sol delicia as crianças.

The sun delights the children.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Que delícia de dia!

What a delight of a day!

Exclamatory phrase with the noun.

Você quer se deliciar com este suco?

Do you want to delight yourself with this juice?

Question with reflexive 'se'.

O gato se delicia com o leite.

The cat delights itself with the milk.

Reflexive usage for an animal.

Esta sopa vai deliciar a família.

This soup will delight the family.

Future tense.

Nós nos deliciamos com a música no rádio.

We delighted ourselves with the music on the radio.

Reflexive 'nos' with preterite tense.

A sobremesa deliciou todos os convidados.

The dessert delighted all the guests.

Transitive use in the past.

Ela gosta de se deliciar com um bom livro.

She likes to delight herself with a good book.

Reflexive infinitive.

O passeio no parque deliciou o meu pai.

The walk in the park delighted my father.

Past tense 'deliciou'.

Vocês se deliciaram com o jantar?

Did you (plural) delight yourselves with the dinner?

Reflexive question in the past.

Este perfume vai deliciar a sua mãe.

This perfume will delight your mother.

Future tense.

Eu me delicio com o cheiro do café.

I delight myself with the smell of coffee.

Present reflexive.

O filme de ontem deliciou a plateia.

Yesterday's movie delighted the audience.

Past tense.

Sempre nos deliciamos quando visitamos o mar.

We always delight ourselves when we visit the sea.

Present habitual reflexive.

A nova exposição no museu deliciou os críticos.

The new exhibition at the museum delighted the critics.

Past tense transitive.

Espero que esta melodia possa deliciar o seu coração.

I hope this melody can delight your heart.

Subjunctive mood 'possa'.

Eles se deliciaram com a hospitalidade dos locais.

They delighted themselves with the hospitality of the locals.

Reflexive with abstract noun 'hospitalidade'.

A autora deliciou os leitores com um final surpreendente.

The author delighted the readers with a surprising ending.

Past tense with prepositional phrase.

Você vai se deliciar se provar este vinho.

You will delight yourself if you taste this wine.

Conditional structure.

As crianças se deliciavam enquanto brincavam na neve.

The children were delighting themselves while playing in the snow.

Imperfect tense for ongoing action.

O jardim botânico deliciou os turistas estrangeiros.

The botanical garden delighted the foreign tourists.

Past tense transitive.

O orador deliciou a audiência com a sua eloquência.

The speaker delighted the audience with his eloquence.

Use of abstract qualities.

É um prazer deliciar-se com a paz do campo.

It is a pleasure to delight oneself with the peace of the countryside.

Infinitive reflexive after 'é um prazer'.

A peça de teatro deliciou até os espectadores mais exigentes.

The play delighted even the most demanding spectators.

Use of 'até' for emphasis.

Se tivéssemos tempo, nos deliciaríamos com um banquete.

If we had time, we would delight ourselves with a banquet.

Conditional mood.

A sinfonia deliciou os ouvidos de quem estava presente.

The symphony delighted the ears of those who were present.

Metonymy ('ears' for the person).

Ela se deliciava ao observar as estrelas no céu limpo.

She delighted herself while observing the stars in the clear sky.

Imperfect tense with 'ao' + infinitive.

O novo restaurante promete deliciar os paladares da cidade.

The new restaurant promises to delight the palates of the city.

Personification of 'paladares'.

Nós nos deliciamos com cada detalhe daquela obra de arte.

We delighted ourselves with every detail of that work of art.

Focus on 'detalhe'.

A prosa de Saramago continua a deliciar gerações de leitores.

Saramago's prose continues to delight generations of readers.

Continuative aspect.

Ao ler o poema, deliciei-me com a riqueza das metáforas.

Upon reading the poem, I delighted myself with the richness of the metaphors.

Reflexive placement after the verb (European style).

O projeto arquitetônico delicia pela sua harmonia com a natureza.

The architectural project delights by its harmony with nature.

Transitive use with 'pela' (because of).

Espero que possas te deliciar com os frutos do teu trabalho.

I hope you can delight yourself with the fruits of your labor.

Subjunctive with 'te' reflexive.

A performance foi tão sublime que deliciou a alma dos presentes.

The performance was so sublime that it delighted the souls of those present.

Spiritual/abstract usage.

Não há quem não se delicie com uma tarde de sol em Lisboa.

There is no one who doesn't delight themselves with a sunny afternoon in Lisbon.

Double negative for emphasis.

A sofisticação do prato deliciou os críticos gastronômicos.

The sophistication of the dish delighted the food critics.

Formal register.

Deliciar-se com o ócio é uma arte que poucos dominam.

Delighting oneself with idleness is an art that few master.

Gerund-like infinitive phrase.

A complexidade da teoria deliciou o intelecto dos pesquisadores.

The complexity of the theory delighted the intellect of the researchers.

Intellectual register.

Pudera eu deliciar-me eternamente com tamanha beleza.

If only I could delight myself eternally with such beauty.

Optative use of 'Pudera'.

A obra de arte, em sua totalidade, delicia o observador atento.

The work of art, in its totality, delights the attentive observer.

Formal parenthetical phrase.

O autor soube deliciar o público sem cair no sentimentalismo.

The author knew how to delight the audience without falling into sentimentalism.

Nuanced literary criticism.

Deliciar-se-iam com o espetáculo, caso tivessem chegado a tempo.

They would have delighted themselves with the show, had they arrived in time.

Mesoclisis (very formal European style).

A sutil ironia do texto delicia aqueles que percebem as entrelinhas.

The subtle irony of the text delights those who perceive between the lines.

Abstract intellectual pleasure.

Cada nota da sonata parecia deliciar o ar circundante.

Each note of the sonata seemed to delight the surrounding air.

Poetic personification.

O banquete era de tal ordem que deliciaria o mais austero dos reis.

The banquet was of such an order that it would delight the most austere of kings.

Hyperbolic formal structure.

Common Collocations

deliciar o paladar

deliciar-se com

deliciar a plateia

deliciar os sentidos

deliciar os olhos

deliciar os ouvidos

deliciar os convidados

deliciar os fãs

deliciar o intelecto

deliciar o coração

Common Phrases

É de se deliciar!

— Used to say that something is so good it must be enjoyed intensely.

Este vinho é de se deliciar!

Deliciar-se com a vida

— To enjoy life to the fullest, savoring every moment.

Ele aprendeu a se deliciar com a vida.

Para deliciar a alma

— Something that provides deep spiritual or emotional comfort.

Uma música para deliciar a alma.

Deliciar-se com o ócio

— To enjoy doing nothing or having free time.

Nas férias, vou me deliciar com o ócio.

Um banquete para deliciar

— A feast designed to provide maximum pleasure.

Prepararam um banquete para deliciar o rei.

Deliciar os pequenos

— To provide joy to children.

O palhaço soube deliciar os pequenos.

Deliciar-se com a vitória

— To savor the feeling of winning.

O time se deliciou com a vitória no campeonato.

Deliciar o espírito

— To provide intellectual or artistic pleasure.

A poesia serve para deliciar o espírito.

Deliciar-se à mesa

— To enjoy a long, high-quality meal.

Os portugueses gostam de se deliciar à mesa.

Deliciar com estilo

— To provide pleasure in a sophisticated manner.

O evento soube deliciar com estilo.

Often Confused With

deliciar vs delícia

Delícia is the noun (a delight), deliciar is the verb (to delight).

deliciar vs delicado

Delicado means delicate or polite, not necessarily delightful.

deliciar vs deletar

Deletar means to delete (cognate with English), which sounds slightly similar but is unrelated.

Idioms & Expressions

"Comer e chorar por mais"

— Something so delicious (deliciosa) that you want more immediately.

Este doce é de comer e chorar por mais.

Informal

"Estar nas suas sete quintas"

— To be in a state of total delight and comfort.

Ele está nas suas sete quintas com o novo carro.

Colloquial

"Lamber os beiços"

— To lick one's lips in delight after eating something delicious.

O jantar estava tão bom que todos lamberam os beiços.

Informal

"Água na boca"

— To have one's mouth water in anticipation of delight.

Só de pensar no bolo, fico com água na boca.

Common

"Um manjar dos deuses"

— A food so good it delights like something meant for gods.

Esta ambrosia é um manjar dos deuses.

Literary/Common

"Matar o bicho"

— To satisfy a craving or delight oneself with a small snack/drink.

Vou tomar um café para matar o bicho.

Informal (Portugal)

"Ficar de queixo caído"

— To be delighted and amazed (maravilhado) to the point of speechlessness.

Fiquei de queixo caído com a vista.

Informal

"Pôr os olhos em"

— To delight one's eyes by looking at something beautiful.

É bom pôr os olhos em tanta cor.

Common

"Encher as medidas"

— To fully satisfy or delight someone's expectations.

O concerto encheu as medidas do público.

Common (Portugal)

"Fazer as delícias de"

— To be the source of delight for a specific group.

O novo parque faz as delícias das crianças.

Neutral

Easily Confused

deliciar vs deleitar

Almost identical meaning.

Deleitar is slightly more formal and literary than deliciar.

A música deleita a alma.

deliciar vs desejar

Both involve positive feelings.

Desejar is to want/desire; deliciar is to actually feel the pleasure.

Eu desejo o bolo, mas me delicio ao comê-lo.

deliciar vs decidir

Similar spelling for beginners.

Decidir means to decide. No relation to pleasure.

Eu decidi comer o bolo.

deliciar vs delirar

Similar sound.

Delirar means to rave, to be delirious, or to love something to the point of madness.

Os fãs deliraram com o show.

deliciar vs saborear

Both used for food.

Saborear is the physical act of tasting; deliciar is the emotional state of being pleased.

Saboreie o vinho para se deliciar.

Sentence Patterns

Este [N] delicia [Pessoa].

Este bolo delicia a Maria.

Eu me delicio com [N].

Eu me delicio com chocolate.

Nós nos deliciamos com [N] ontem.

Nós nos deliciamos com o concerto ontem.

[N] vai deliciar o seu [Sentido].

O perfume vai deliciar o seu olfato.

Ao [V], deliciei-me com [N].

Ao chegar, deliciei-me com a vista.

Pudera eu deliciar-me com [N].

Pudera eu deliciar-me com tamanha paz.

O [N] promete deliciar [Pessoa].

O livro promete deliciar os leitores.

Você quer se deliciar com [N]?

Você quer se deliciar com este suco?

Word Family

Nouns

delícia (delight/deliciousness)

deliciamento (the act of delighting)

Verbs

deliciar (to delight)

deliciar-se (to delight oneself)

Adjectives

delicioso (delicious)

deliciosa (delicious - fem)

deliciado (delighted)

deleite (delight/pleasure)

deleitar (to delight - formal)

delicado (delicate)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in specific domains like food, travel, and arts; less common in daily chores.

Common Mistakes

Eu delicio o bolo. → Eu me delicio com o bolo.
Without the reflexive pronoun, it sounds like you are the one providing delight to the cake.
O jantar foi deliciar. → O jantar foi uma delícia.
Confusing the verb 'deliciar' with the noun 'delícia'.
Eu me delicio o sol. → Eu me delicio com o sol.
Forgetting the mandatory preposition 'com' after the reflexive verb.
Nós nos deliciamos de música. → Nós nos deliciamos com música.
Using 'de' instead of 'com'.
A música delicia-se a plateia. → A música delicia a plateia.
Using reflexive when the action is transitive (the music delights the audience).

Tips

Reflexive Mastery

Always pair the verb with the correct pronoun for the subject (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) when you are the one enjoying the thing.

Food Context

This is the most common place to use the word. Use it when a meal is exceptionally good to impress your host.

Elevate Your Speech

Swap 'gostar' for 'deliciar-se' when describing your favorite hobbies to sound more like a native speaker.

Travel Journals

Use 'deliciar-se com a vista' in your travel notes to capture the sensory experience of a new place.

Portuguese Leisure

The word captures the essence of taking things slow. Use it to describe 'slow living' activities.

The 'CI' Sound

Make sure the 'ci' sounds like 'see' in English, not 'kee' or 'shee'.

Complimenting a Chef

Saying 'Este prato vai me deliciar' before eating is a high compliment to the cook.

Cognate Connection

Link it to 'delicious' in your mind. If it's delicious, it will deliciar you.

Poetic Use

Don't be afraid to use it for abstract things like 'deliciar o espírito' or 'deliciar a alma'.

Avoid Overuse

If you use it for every single thing, it loses its impact. Save it for the truly special moments.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'DELI' (delicatessen). You go to a deli to 'deliciar' yourself with great food.

Visual Association

Imagine a person closing their eyes and smiling while taking a bite of a perfect chocolate cake.

Word Web

Food Music Pleasure Senses Reflexive Luxury Smile Satisfaction

Challenge

Write three things that 'deliciam' you today using the reflexive form 'me delicio com...'

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'deliciare', which comes from 'deliciae' (pleasure, delight, luxury).

Original meaning: To entice, to lure away through pleasure, or to provide luxury.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

The word is purely positive and carries no negative or sensitive connotations.

English speakers often use 'enjoy' or 'love', but 'deliciar' is more specific to the sensory pleasure received.

Eça de Queirós often uses 'deliciar' to describe the bourgeois pleasures in 19th-century Lisbon. Amália Rodrigues' fado songs often speak of things that 'deliciam' or 'desolam' the heart. Brazilian Bossa Nova lyrics frequently evoke sensory delights.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Dining

Deliciar o paladar
Deliciar-se com o prato
Um jantar para deliciar
Sabores que deliciam

Music/Art

Deliciar os ouvidos
Deliciar a plateia
Uma obra que delicia
Deliciar os olhos

Travel

Deliciar-se com a vista
Paisagens que deliciam
Deliciar-se com o sol
Um passeio para deliciar

Reading

Deliciar-se com um livro
Prosa que delicia
Deliciar o leitor
Histórias para deliciar

Socializing

Deliciar os convidados
Deliciar os amigos
Deliciar-se com a conversa
Momentos que deliciam

Conversation Starters

"Qual é a comida que mais te costuma deliciar?"

"Você prefere se deliciar com um livro ou com um filme?"

"Que tipo de música delicia os seus ouvidos?"

"Você já se deliciou com as praias de Portugal ou do Brasil?"

"O que você faria para deliciar os seus convidados em um jantar?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento recente em que você se deliciou com algo simples.

Escreva sobre uma viagem onde a paisagem deliciou os seus olhos.

Qual é o seu 'prazer culposo' (guilty pleasure) com o qual você gosta de se deliciar?

Como você pode deliciar alguém que você ama hoje?

Reflita sobre como o ato de se deliciar pode melhorar o seu bem-estar.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but usually transitively. 'Ela delicia a todos com sua voz.' It means her voice brings pleasure to everyone.

Yes, although Brazilians might use 'se amarrar' or 'curtir' more informally, 'deliciar-se' is perfectly understood and used in media.

The past participle is 'deliciado'. Example: 'Eu estou deliciado com o presente' (I am delighted with the gift).

Yes, when you are specifying what is causing the delight. 'Eu me deliciei com o filme.'

Yes, it follows the standard -ar conjugation pattern (delicio, deliciei, deliciarei).

Yes, this is a transitive use. It means 'This cake delights me'.

Deliciar is much stronger and implies a higher level of sensory or aesthetic pleasure.

Rarely, unless used sarcastically. 'Vou me deliciar com essa pilha de trabalho' (I'll delight myself with this pile of work).

You can use 'deliciar' or 'deleitar'. Both are appropriate for a high register.

Not a common one. You would usually describe the person as 'encantador' (enchanting) or 'alguém que delicia'.