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A2 verb 11 min read

não gostar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips não gostar in 30 Seconds

Explanation não gostar in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic way of expressing likes and dislikes. 'Não gostar' is one of the first verbal phrases taught because it allows students to communicate their basic needs and preferences. At this stage, the focus is on the simple present tense: 'Eu não gosto', 'Você não gosta'. The biggest challenge for A1 learners is remembering to include the preposition 'de'. Most A1 students will use 'não gostar' for food, colors, and simple activities. The sentences are usually short and direct. For example, 'Eu não gosto de leite' or 'Eu não gosto de futebol'. Teachers emphasize the contraction of 'de' with 'o' and 'a' (do/da), but at A1, small errors in these contractions are expected. The goal is simply to be understood in everyday situations, like ordering at a restaurant or talking about hobbies. Learners also learn to use 'não gosto' as a simple response to 'Você gosta de...?' questions. This foundational structure sets the stage for all future negative expressions in Portuguese. It is the 'survival' level of expressing dislike.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'não gostar' in more varied contexts and with a wider range of subjects. They start to use the past tense ('não gostei') to talk about experiences they have already had, such as a movie they watched or a meal they ate. A2 learners are expected to be more consistent with the preposition 'de' and the resulting contractions (do, da, dos, das). They also start to incorporate adverbs of intensity, such as 'não gosto muito' (I don't like much) or 'não gosto nada' (I don't like at all). This level involves using 'não gostar' with verbs in the infinitive to describe activities they dislike doing, like 'não gosto de estudar' or 'não gosto de limpar a casa'. The complexity of the objects of the verb increases, moving from simple nouns to more abstract concepts or groups of people. A2 learners also begin to understand the social importance of softening their dislikes to remain polite in conversation. They are moving beyond simple survival and starting to express their personality through their preferences.

At the B1 level, the use of 'não gostar' becomes more nuanced and integrated into complex sentence structures. Learners can now use the phrase in various tenses, including the imperfect ('não gostava') to talk about things they didn't like in the past but might like now. They also begin to use the conditional ('não gostaria') to express hypothetical dislikes or to make polite requests and refusals. B1 students are expected to handle pronouns more effectively, such as 'não gosto disso' or 'não gosto daquilo'. They start to use 'não gostar' in subordinate clauses, such as 'Eu acho que ele não gosta de mim' (I think he doesn't like me). At this stage, learners are also introduced to more synonyms and alternatives, allowing them to choose the right level of intensity for the situation. They can participate in longer discussions where they have to justify why they don't like something, using connectors like 'porque' or 'pois'. Their vocabulary for objects of dislike expands significantly, covering social issues, professional tasks, and complex personality traits.

At the B2 level, learners use 'não gostar' with a high degree of fluency and accuracy. They are comfortable using it in the subjunctive mood, which is often triggered by expressions of doubt or emotion: 'Duvido que ele não goste de chocolate' (I doubt he doesn't like chocolate). B2 students can use the phrase in idiomatic expressions and are aware of regional differences in usage between Brazil and Portugal. They can use 'não gostar' to express subtle shades of meaning, such as irony or sarcasm. Their use of the preposition 'de' is automatic, and they rarely make mistakes with contractions. At this level, students can handle complex objects of the verb, including entire noun phrases or clauses. They also begin to recognize when 'não gostar' is the best choice versus more specific verbs like 'rejeitar' or 'desaprovar'. B2 learners can engage in debates where they must articulate their dislikes in a sophisticated manner, using the phrase as a starting point for deeper analysis of their opinions and values.

At the C1 level, the learner has a near-native grasp of 'não gostar'. They use it effortlessly in all registers, from highly formal academic writing to very informal slang. They are sensitive to the stylistic implications of choosing 'não gostar' over a more formal synonym like 'não apreciar'. C1 learners can use the phrase in complex rhetorical structures and are adept at using it to convey nuanced emotional states. They understand the historical and cultural weight of certain dislikes within Portuguese-speaking societies. At this level, the learner can use 'não gostar' in creative ways, such as in wordplay or literature. They are also able to navigate the most subtle social situations where expressing dislike requires a high level of tact and linguistic precision. Their mastery of the grammar surrounding the verb is complete, including the most obscure pronominal placements and tense sequences. They can discuss the philosophical implications of 'gosto' (taste) and 'não gostar' with ease.

At the C2 level, the use of 'não gostar' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The learner can use the phrase with absolute precision, employing it to achieve specific communicative goals with subtle variations in tone and emphasis. They are familiar with the use of 'não gostar' in the most complex literary texts and can analyze its function within those texts. C2 learners can also use the phrase in professional contexts at the highest levels, such as in diplomatic negotiations or legal arguments, where every word must be chosen with care. They have a deep understanding of the etymological roots of the expression and how it has evolved over time. At this stage, 'não gostar' is just one tool in a vast arsenal of linguistic resources, used with total control and awareness of its impact on the listener or reader. The learner can even use the phrase to mimic different dialects or historical styles of Portuguese if necessary. It is no longer a 'phrase' to be learned, but a part of their intuitive linguistic identity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

não gostar in 30 Seconds

The primary way to express dislike in Portuguese.
Requires the preposition 'de' before the object.
Used for food, activities, people, and abstract ideas.
Commonly contracted with articles (do, da, dos, das).

The verbal construction não gostar is the primary way to express a lack of affinity, preference, or enjoyment in the Portuguese language. While English speakers might occasionally use the verb 'to dislike', in Portuguese, the most natural and frequent way to convey this sentiment is by simply negating the verb 'gostar'. This expression is foundational for any learner because it covers everything from mild preferences to significant aversions. In the Lusophone world, expressing what you do not like is just as culturally significant as expressing what you do like, often serving as a social bonding mechanism or a way to establish personal boundaries and identity.

Grammatical Requirement: The verb 'gostar' is transitivo indireto, meaning it always requires the preposition 'de' before the object. When you say 'não gostar', you must maintain this preposition: 'Eu não gosto de...'.

Eu não gosto de acordar cedo nos fins de semana.

Beyond just physical objects or food, 'não gostar' is used for activities, abstract concepts, and even people. However, when used with people, it can sound quite direct or even confrontational depending on the tone. In social settings, Portuguese speakers might soften this by saying 'não gosto muito de...' (I don't like ... very much) to avoid appearing rude. The usage spans across all registers of the language, from the most formal academic critiques to the most informal street slang. Understanding 'não gostar' also involves understanding the cultural nuance of 'saudade' and 'gosto'. Because Portuguese culture often revolves around shared experiences, stating that you do not like something shared—like a specific type of music or a traditional dish—can sometimes lead to a friendly debate or an attempt by others to 'convert' your taste. This construction is also essential for expressing dissatisfaction in professional environments, though it is often coupled with specific reasons to maintain a professional tone. For instance, 'Não gostamos da proposta inicial' (We did not like the initial proposal) is a standard way to provide feedback. Throughout Brazil and Portugal, regional variations in accent might change how 'gostar' sounds, but the structure 'não + gostar + de' remains the universal standard. As you progress in your learning, you will find that 'não gostar' is the gateway to more complex expressions of emotion and opinion, forming the bedrock of your ability to navigate social interactions and personal expressions in Portuguese-speaking communities worldwide. It is not merely a negation; it is a declaration of preference that shapes how others perceive your personality and values.

Using não gostar correctly requires attention to both word order and prepositional contractions. In a standard declarative sentence, the 'não' is placed directly before the conjugated form of 'gostar'. The most important rule to internalize is the mandatory use of the preposition 'de'. If you are talking about a general category, you use 'de'. If you are talking about a specific item, you must use the contraction of 'de' with the definite article.

Contraction Rule: De + o = Do | De + a = Da | De + os = Dos | De + as = Das. For example: 'Não gosto do livro' (I don't like the book).

Nós não gostamos daquela música barulhenta.

When using 'não gostar' with verbs (activities), the preposition 'de' is still required, followed by the infinitive form of the second verb. For example, 'Eu não gosto de correr' (I don't like to run). This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who might want to say 'Eu não gosto correr', which is grammatically incorrect in Portuguese. Furthermore, the placement of adverbs can modify the intensity of the dislike. 'Eu não gosto nada de...' means 'I don't like ... at all', while 'Eu não gosto muito de...' means 'I don't like ... very much'. These modifiers are placed between 'gosto' and 'de'.

Intensity Modifiers: Use 'nem um pouco' or 'nada' to emphasize a strong dislike. Example: 'Ela não gosta nada de mentiras'.

Eles não gostam de viajar de avião.

In questions, the word order remains the same as a statement, but with a rising intonation: 'Você não gosta de chocolate?' (Don't you like chocolate?). When answering, Portuguese speakers often repeat the verb: 'Não gosto' (I don't), rather than just saying 'Não'. This 'verb-echo' response is a hallmark of natural Portuguese conversation. It is also important to note the difference between 'não gostar' and 'desgostar'. While 'desgostar' exists, it is much less common and often carries a more formal or literary tone. In everyday speech, 'não gostar' is the undisputed king of expressing dislike. Whether you are discussing politics, food, weather, or personal habits, the construction remains remarkably consistent across different contexts. Practice conjugating 'gostar' in all tenses (present, past, future) to see how the negation 'não' remains a steady anchor in front of the verb. Mastery of this pattern allows for clear communication of personal boundaries and preferences, which is essential for building authentic relationships in any Portuguese-speaking culture.

The phrase não gostar is ubiquitous in the Lusophone world, appearing in almost every facet of daily life. You will hear it in the bustling markets of Luanda, the quiet cafes of Lisbon, and the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro. One of the most common places to encounter this expression is in the context of gastronomy. Food is central to Portuguese and Brazilian culture, and people are very vocal about their tastes. At a dinner table, you might hear a child say, 'Não gosto de brócolis,' or a guest politely explaining, 'Eu não gosto muito de pimenta.'

Social Media & Reviews: On platforms like YouTube or Instagram, you will see comments like 'Não gostei do vídeo' (I didn't like the video) or 'Não gosto desse estilo' (I don't like this style).

Muitas pessoas não gostam do calor excessivo do verão.

In the workplace, 'não gostar' is used to provide feedback on projects or ideas. A manager might say, 'Não gostamos do rumo que o projeto está tomando' (We don't like the direction the project is taking). In romantic contexts, though 'não gostar' can be used, people often shift to more specific verbs like 'não amar' or 'não sentir atração', but 'não gostar' remains the baseline for expressing a lack of interest in someone's company. Music and art are other areas where this phrase is heard constantly. Whether discussing a new 'telenovela' or a 'fado' performance, expressing a lack of enjoyment is a standard part of the critique. You will also hear it in news reports when discussing public opinion: 'A população não gosta das novas medidas econômicas.' This versatility makes it one of the top 100 most useful verbal constructions for a learner. Even in literature and song lyrics, 'não gostar' is used to convey themes of rejection, disappointment, and personal truth. From the lyrics of Bossa Nova to the verses of Fernando Pessoa, the act of not liking is explored as a fundamental human experience. In casual conversations among friends, the phrase is often shortened or used with slang modifiers to add flavor. For example, 'Não gosto nem um tiquinho' (I don't like it even a tiny bit). By paying attention to how native speakers use 'não gostar' in different settings, you will gain a deeper understanding of the social etiquette and emotional honesty that characterizes Portuguese-speaking cultures. It is a phrase that bridges the gap between simple communication and nuanced expression of the self.

One of the most frequent errors made by English speakers when using não gostar is the omission of the preposition 'de'. In English, we say 'I don't like apples', but in Portuguese, you must say 'Eu não gosto DE maçãs'. Forgetting this 'de' is a hallmark of a beginner's mistake and can make your speech sound fragmented or 'gringo'.

The Preposition 'De': Always remember: Gostar + DE + Object. This applies even when the object is a verb in the infinitive.

Errado: Eu não gosto café. Correto: Eu não gosto de café.

Another common mistake is the incorrect use of contractions. Many learners forget to combine 'de' with the article 'o' or 'a'. Saying 'Eu não gosto de o carro' sounds very unnatural; it must be 'Eu não gosto do carro'. This requires a quick mental calculation of the gender and number of the noun you are referring to. Word order can also be tricky. In Portuguese, the 'não' almost always precedes the verb. Learners sometimes try to translate the English 'do not' literally, leading to awkward constructions. There is no 'do' auxiliary in Portuguese negation; 'não' does all the work. Additionally, some learners confuse 'não gostar' with 'não agradar'. While 'agradar' means 'to please', its grammatical structure is different (it uses the dative 'a' or 'lhe'). Stick to 'não gostar' for general dislike until you are more advanced.

Confusion with 'Não me gosta': Spanish speakers often make the mistake of saying 'Não me gosta' (as in 'No me gusta'). In Portuguese, the subject is the person who dislikes: 'Eu não gosto'.

Correto: Eu não gosto de você. (I don't like you).

Finally, be careful with the intensity. Using 'odiar' (to hate) when you simply mean 'não gostar' (to not like) can come across as too strong or dramatic in many social situations. Conversely, using 'não gostar' for something truly terrible might seem like an understatement. Learning the middle ground, like 'não sou muito fã de...' (I'm not a big fan of...), will help you sound more like a native speaker. Avoiding these common pitfalls will significantly improve your fluency and ensure that your expressions of dislike are understood correctly and naturally by native Portuguese speakers.

While não gostar is the most common way to express dislike, Portuguese offers a rich palette of alternatives that can provide more specific nuances or different levels of intensity. Understanding these synonyms will help you move from a basic A2 level to more advanced communication.

Odiar: Meaning 'to hate', this is much stronger than 'não gostar'. It implies a deep-seated animosity or strong aversion. Example: 'Eu odeio mentiras'.
Detestar: Similar to 'odiar', but often used for things that are extremely unpleasant or annoying. It's a very common way to express strong dislike for food or weather.

Eu detesto esperar na fila.

For a softer approach, you can use phrases like 'não ser fã de' (to not be a fan of) or 'não apreciar muito' (to not appreciate much). These are useful in formal situations or when you want to be polite. 'Não me atrai' (It doesn't attract me) is often used when talking about hobbies, styles, or even potential romantic interests. In Brazil, you might hear the slang 'não curtir'. 'Curtir' is the equivalent of 'to like' or 'to enjoy' in a casual, modern sense (like 'liking' a post on Facebook). Therefore, 'não curto' is very common among younger generations.

Não Curtir (Slang): Very common in Brazil for casual contexts. 'Eu não curto esse tipo de música'.

Ela não suporta o barulho da cidade.

'Não suportar' and 'não aguentar' are used when the dislike has reached a limit of tolerance—meaning 'I can't stand' or 'I can't bear'. These are powerful expressions of frustration. By choosing between 'não gostar', 'detestar', 'não curtir', and 'não suportar', you can accurately convey the exact degree of your feelings. This variety not only makes your Portuguese sound more natural but also allows you to better understand the intensity of what native speakers are telling you. Whether you are expressing a mild preference or a passionate hatred, having these alternatives in your vocabulary is essential for effective communication.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'gostar' originally meant 'to taste'. Over centuries, it shifted from the physical act of tasting to the emotional act of liking. Thus, 'não gostar' literally implies that something doesn't 'taste' good to your soul.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nɐ̃w̃ ɡuʃˈtaɾ/

US /nɐ̃w̃ ɡosˈtaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable of 'gostar' (tar).

Rhymes With

estar cantar falar andar olhar chegar parar pensar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' in 'gostar' like 'go' in 'goat' (it's more like 'goo' in Portugal or 'go' in Brazil).
Missing the nasalization of 'não'.
Forgetting to stress the final syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the preposition 'de' and contractions.

Speaking 2/5

Simple to say, but nasal 'não' needs practice.

Listening 2/5

Clearly audible, though 'de' can be swallowed in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

não gostar de eu você

Learn Next

odiar detestar preferir do/da subjunctive

Advanced

desgostar repugnar abominar fastio aversão

Grammar to Know

Prepositional Government

Gostar always governs 'de'.

Negation Placement

'Não' comes before the verb.

Prepositional Contraction

de + o = do.

Subjunctive Mood

'Não gosto que você saia' (I don't like you going out).

Infinitive after Preposition

'Não gosto de nadar'.

Examples by Level

Eu não gosto de maçã.

I don't like apple.

Uses 'de' + noun.

Você não gosta de café?

Don't you like coffee?

Standard question structure.

Ele não gosta de futebol.

He doesn't like soccer.

Third person singular.

Nós não gostamos de frio.

We don't like cold.

First person plural.

Elas não gostam de ler.

They (feminine) don't like to read.

Verb in infinitive after 'de'.

Eu não gosto do carro.

I don't like the car.

Contraction 'de + o = do'.

Ela não gosta da casa.

She doesn't like the house.

Contraction 'de + a = da'.

Não gosto de leite.

I don't like milk.

Subject 'Eu' is omitted.

Eu não gostei do filme ontem.

I didn't like the movie yesterday.

Preterite tense (past).

Nós não gostamos muito de pizza.

We don't like pizza very much.

Use of 'muito' to modify intensity.

Você não gosta de viajar sozinho?

Don't you like to travel alone?

Infinitive verb 'viajar'.

Eles não gostam de acordar cedo.

They don't like to wake up early.

Reflexive verb 'acordar' (though not reflexive here).

Eu não gosto nada de mentiras.

I don't like lies at all.

Use of 'nada' for strong emphasis.

Minha mãe não gosta de gatos.

My mother doesn't like cats.

General plural object.

Não gostamos daquelas roupas.

We didn't like those clothes.

Contraction 'de + aquelas'.

Ele não gosta de beber cerveja.

He doesn't like to drink beer.

Verb phrase.

Eu não gostava de brócolis quando era criança.

I didn't use to like broccoli when I was a child.

Imperfect tense for past habits.

Não gostaria de ir à festa sem você.

I wouldn't like to go to the party without you.

Conditional mood for politeness/hypothetical.

Espero que você não goste de barulho.

I hope you don't like noise.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

Ela não gosta de ser interrompida.

She doesn't like being interrupted.

Passive infinitive.

Não gostamos do modo como ele falou.

We didn't like the way he spoke.

Abstract object 'o modo'.

Se eu não gostasse de você, não estaria aqui.

If I didn't like you, I wouldn't be here.

Imperfect subjunctive in a conditional clause.

Eles não gostam de nada do que eu faço.

They don't like anything that I do.

Complex relative clause.

Você não gosta de se sentir assim?

Don't you like feeling this way?

Reflexive verb 'sentir-se'.

Embora eu não goste de política, eu voto.

Although I don't like politics, I vote.

Subjunctive after 'embora'.

Não gostamos de como a situação foi conduzida.

We didn't like how the situation was handled.

Complex noun clause.

Ele parece não gostar de desafios.

He seems not to like challenges.

Infinitive after 'parece'.

Não gosto que me tratem como criança.

I don't like them treating me like a child.

Subjunctive in the dependent clause.

Haverá quem não goste da nova lei.

There will be those who won't like the new law.

Future tense and subjunctive relative clause.

Eu não gostei nem um pouco da sua atitude.

I didn't like your attitude one bit.

Idiomatic emphasis 'nem um pouco'.

Não gostamos de admitir nossos erros.

We don't like to admit our mistakes.

Abstract verbal object.

Ela não gosta de se envolver em fofocas.

She doesn't like to get involved in gossip.

Pronominal verb.

Não é que eu não goste dele, apenas não temos afinidade.

It's not that I don't like him, we just don't have an affinity.

Subjunctive after 'não é que'.

Muitos críticos não gostaram da ousadia do diretor.

Many critics didn't like the director's audacity.

Formal vocabulary 'ousadia'.

Não gosto de ver o sofrimento alheio.

I don't like seeing the suffering of others.

Formal 'alheio'.

Quem não gosta de ser elogiado?

Who doesn't like being praised?

Rhetorical question.

Não gostamos de depender da sorte.

We don't like to depend on luck.

Philosophical/Abstract context.

Ele não gosta de que questionem sua autoridade.

He doesn't like people questioning his authority.

Subjunctive with 'que'.

Não gostei nada da forma como a notícia foi dada.

I didn't like at all the way the news was delivered.

Critique of media/communication.

Raramente não gosto de um livro clássico.

Rarely do I not like a classic book.

Double negative for nuance.

É imperativo que não gostemos da mediocridade.

It is imperative that we do not like mediocrity.

Highly formal structure.

Não gostar da verdade não a torna menos real.

Not liking the truth doesn't make it any less real.

Gerund-like use of infinitive as subject.

Aversão é quando você não gosta de algo intensamente.

Aversion is when you dislike something intensely.

Defining a concept.

Não gostamos de nos sentir vulneráveis perante o público.

We don't like to feel vulnerable before the public.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'vulneráveis', 'perante'.

O autor expressa o seu não gostar através de metáforas.

The author expresses his dislike through metaphors.

Substantivized infinitive 'o não gostar'.

Não gostei da maneira como a estética foi negligenciada.

I didn't like the way the aesthetics were neglected.

Artistic/Academic critique.

Seria hipocrisia dizer que não gosto de poder.

It would be hypocrisy to say I don't like power.

Complex philosophical statement.

Não gostamos de ver a justiça ser postergada.

We don't like to see justice being postponed.

Formal verb 'postergar'.

Common Collocations

não gostar de nada

não gostar nem um pouco

não gostar muito de

não gostar da ideia

não gostar de jeito nenhum

não gostar de ninguém

não gostar de si mesmo

não gostar do clima

não gostar do resultado

não gostar de esperar

Common Phrases

Não gosto de você.

— I don't like you. Used to express personal dislike.

Sendo sincero, eu não gosto de você.

Não gostei disso.

— I didn't like that. Used for specific actions or situations.

Não gostei disso que você fez.

Não gosto de nada.

— I don't like anything. Expressing general dissatisfaction.

Hoje eu estou mal-humorado e não gosto de nada.

Não gosto de brincadeira.

— I don't like jokes. Often used to mean 'I'm serious'.

Comigo não, eu não gosto de brincadeira.

Não gosto de confusão.

— I don't like trouble/drama. Used to avoid conflict.

Vou embora porque não gosto de confusão.

Não gosto de falar nisso.

— I don't like talking about it. Used for sensitive topics.

É um assunto triste, não gosto de falar nisso.

Não gosto de pedir favores.

— I don't like asking for favors. Expressing independence.

Eu me viro sozinho, não gosto de pedir favores.

Não gosto de perder.

— I don't like losing. Expressing competitiveness.

Ele é muito competitivo e não gosto de perder.

Não gosto de rotina.

— I don't like routine. Expressing a desire for change.

Mudei de emprego porque não gosto de rotina.

Não gosto de barulho.

— I don't like noise. Expressing a preference for quiet.

Moro no campo porque não gosto de barulho.

Often Confused With

não gostar vs não me gosta

Incorrectly used by Spanish speakers. In Portuguese, it is 'Eu não gosto'.

não gostar vs desgostar

Too formal for daily use; 'não gostar' is the standard.

não gostar vs não agradar

Means 'doesn't please', has a different grammar structure.

Idioms & Expressions

"Não gostar nem pintado de ouro."

— To dislike something so much that not even gold could make it better.

Eu não gosto de jiló nem pintado de ouro.

informal

"Não gostar de levar desaforo para casa."

— To not tolerate insults or being treated badly without responding.

Ela é brava e não gosta de levar desaforo para casa.

informal

"Não gostar de dar o braço a torcer."

— To not like admitting one is wrong.

Ele é teimoso e não gosta de dar o braço a torcer.

informal

"Não gostar de conversa fiada."

— To dislike small talk or nonsense.

Vamos direto ao ponto, não gosto de conversa fiada.

informal

"Não gostar de brincar em serviço."

— To take things seriously, especially work.

Ele é um profissional sério e não gosta de brincar em serviço.

neutral

"Não gostar de ser a quinta roda da carroça."

— To dislike being the 'third wheel' or unnecessary.

Eles saíram em casal e eu não gosto de ser a quinta roda.

informal

"Não gostar de misturar alhos com bugalhos."

— To dislike confusing or mixing unrelated things.

Mantenha as contas separadas, não gosto de misturar alhos com bugalhos.

informal

"Não gostar de onde o sapato aperta."

— To dislike the difficult or painful part of a situation.

Todos querem o bônus, mas ninguém gosta de onde o sapato aperta.

informal

"Não gostar de tapar o sol com a peneira."

— To dislike trying to hide an obvious problem with a poor solution.

Seja honesto, não gosto de tapar o sol com a peneira.

informal

"Não gostar de ver passar o navio."

— To dislike missing an opportunity or being left behind.

Eu quero participar, não gosto de ver passar o navio.

informal

Easily Confused

não gostar vs odiar

Both express dislike.

'Odiar' is much stronger (hate) while 'não gostar' is general (dislike).

Eu não gosto de cebola, mas odeio alho.

não gostar vs detestar

Both express dislike.

'Detestar' is stronger and more emotional than 'não gostar'.

Detesto esse barulho!

não gostar vs não curtir

Both express dislike.

'Não curtir' is slang and used for hobbies/social things.

Não curto essa banda.

não gostar vs não aguentar

Both express dislike.

'Não aguentar' means you can't tolerate it anymore.

Não aguento esse trânsito.

não gostar vs não preferir

People think it means dislike.

It means you like something else better, not necessarily that you dislike the first thing.

Não prefiro esse, prefiro o outro.

Sentence Patterns

Eu não gosto de [substantivo].

Eu não gosto de chá.

Você não gosta de [verbo]?

Você não gosta de cantar?

Eu não gosto do/da [substantivo específico].

Eu não gosto daquela cor.

Nós não gostamos muito de [atividade].

Nós não gostamos muito de dançar.

Eu não gostava de [coisa], mas agora gosto.

Eu não gostava de alface, mas agora gosto.

Não gostaria de [verbo] hoje.

Não gostaria de sair hoje.

Não gosto que [subjuntivo].

Não gosto que me liguem tarde.

É raro eu não gostar de [substantivo].

É raro eu não gostar de um filme clássico.

Word Family

Nouns

gosto (taste/liking)

desgosto (displeasure/sorrow)

Verbs

gostar (to like)

desgostar (to dislike)

degustar (to taste)

Adjectives

gostoso (tasty/pleasant)

desgostoso (displeased)

gosto pessoal (personal taste)

bom gosto (good taste)

mau gosto (bad taste)

gostosura (treat/sweetness)

gostável (likable)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in all dialects.

Common Mistakes

Eu não gosto chocolate. → Eu não gosto de chocolate.
Missing the mandatory preposition 'de'.
Eu não me gosta. → Eu não gosto.
Confusing Portuguese 'gostar' with Spanish 'gustar'. In Portuguese, the person is the subject.
Não gosto de o filme. → Não gosto do filme.
Failure to contract the preposition 'de' with the article 'o'.
Eu não gosto de correndo. → Eu não gosto de correr.
Using the gerund (-ing) instead of the infinitive after the preposition.
Eu não gosto muito nada. → Eu não gosto nada.
Combining 'muito' and 'nada' incorrectly. Use one or the other for intensity.

Tips

The 'DE' Rule

Never forget the preposition 'de'. It is the most common mistake for English speakers. Imagine 'gostar' and 'de' are glued together.

Nasal Sound

Make sure 'não' sounds nasal. If it sounds like 'now', people will understand you, but you won't sound like a native speaker.

Softening Dislike

If you want to be polite, add 'muito'. 'Não gosto muito' sounds much softer than a blunt 'Não gosto'.

Slang Usage

Use 'não curto' when talking to friends about music, movies, or places to sound more natural in Brazil.

Contractions

Always check if 'de' needs to contract with 'o/a/os/as'. 'Não gosto do livro' is correct; 'Não gosto de o livro' is not.

The Hidden 'De'

In fast speech, 'de' can sound like a very short 'd'. Listen closely to the transition between 'gosto' and the next word.

Food Context

Expressing dislike for traditional food can be seen as a challenge. Be prepared for people to ask 'why?'.

Infinitive Verbs

When saying you don't like an action, use the infinitive: 'Não gosto de correr'. No -ing equivalent is used here.

Verb Echo

Answer 'Você gosta?' with 'Não gosto' instead of just 'Não' to sound more fluent.

Opposites

Learn 'gostar' and 'não gostar' together as a pair to reinforce the structure.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'No Gusto'. If you have 'no gusto' for something, you 'não gosta' of it.

Visual Association

Imagine a person pushing away a plate of food (the object) with a big 'X' over it and the word 'DE' written on the plate.

Word Web

gostar não de do/da detestar odiar preferir escolher

Challenge

Try to list five things in your room that you 'não gosta de' using the correct contractions (do/da).

Word Origin

From the Latin 'gustare' (to taste) preceded by the Portuguese negation 'não'.

Original meaning: To not taste / To not have a taste for.

Romance (Indo-European)

Cultural Context

Be careful when saying 'não gosto de você' as it is very personal. Use 'não concordo com você' (I don't agree with you) in professional settings.

English speakers often say 'I don't like it', but in Portuguese, you must specify 'Não gosto DELE' or 'Não gosto DISSO'.

'Não Gosto de Segunda-feira' (I Don't Like Mondays) - common sentiment in pop culture. Telenovela characters often use 'Não gosto de você' for dramatic effect.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Food & Dining

Não gosto de pimenta.
Não gosto de carne malpassada.
Não gostei do tempero.
Não gosto de comer fora.

Hobbies & Leisure

Não gosto de correr.
Não gosto de filmes de terror.
Não gosto de multidões.
Não gosto de viajar de ônibus.

Social Interactions

Não gosto de mentiras.
Não gosto de gente falsa.
Não gosto de ser o centro das atenções.
Não gosto de fofoca.

Work & Professional

Não gosto de reuniões longas.
Não gosto de trabalhar sob pressão.
Não gostei da proposta.
Não gosto de atrasos.

Weather & Environment

Não gosto de chuva.
Não gosto do frio intenso.
Não gosto de cidades barulhentas.
Não gosto de poluição.

Conversation Starters

"Do que você não gosta de fazer no seu tempo livre?"

"Existe alguma comida brasileira que você não gosta?"

"Você não gosta de viajar para lugares frios?"

"O que você não gosta no seu trabalho atual?"

"Você não gosta de acordar cedo ou de dormir tarde?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre três coisas que você não gostava quando era criança, mas gosta agora.

Descreva um filme que você não gostou e explique os motivos.

Por que algumas pessoas não gostam de animais de estimação?

Fale sobre um hábito que você não gosta de ver em outras pessoas.

O que você não gosta na rotina do dia a dia?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'gostar' is an indirect transitive verb and always requires the preposition 'de' before its object, whether it's a noun or a verb.

No, it is incorrect. You must say 'Eu não gosto DE café'.

'De' is used for general things (I don't like coffee), while 'do' (de+o) is used for specific things (I don't like THE coffee at this cafe).

Yes, but be careful as it can be very direct and impolite. 'Não gosto dele' means 'I don't like him'.

You say 'Não gosto disso' (if 'it' is an abstract thing) or 'Não gosto dele/dela' (if 'it' has a gender).

It is used, but it is much more frequent and iconic in Brazilian Portuguese slang.

You can say 'Não gosto nada' or 'Não gosto nem um pouco'.

Yes, it conjugates like a regular -ar verb: 'não gostei' (I didn't like), 'não gostava' (I didn't use to like).

In Portuguese, it is common to use the verb as a standalone answer to a question like 'Você gosta de peixe?'.

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable, though 'não apreciar' or 'não estar de acordo' might sound more formal.