simpatizar
simpatizar in 30 Seconds
- Simpatizar means taking a liking to someone or an idea, usually as a first impression.
- It always requires the preposition 'com' (with) and is rarely reflexive in modern usage.
- It is a 'partial friend' to English 'sympathize'; it's more about liking than pitying.
- It is used for people, ideas, and causes, but rarely for food, hobbies, or objects.
- Social Context
- In Brazilian and Portuguese social circles, using this verb implies a level of warmth. It is the stage before 'gostar' (to like/love) or 'ser amigo' (to be a friend). It describes that initial phase where you find someone pleasant and easy to be around. You might use it after meeting a friend's new partner or a new colleague at work to signal that the interaction was successful.
Eu acabei de conhecer a Maria e realmente simpatizei com ela; ela parece ser uma pessoa muito autêntica e divertida.
- Ideological Usage
- Beyond people, you can simpatizar with ideas, movements, or political parties. In this context, it means you find the ideology appealing or you support the general direction of the cause without necessarily being a hardcore member or activist. It suggests a 'soft' support or a shared perspective.
Muitos jovens começaram a simpatizar com as causas ambientais após assistirem ao documentário impactante sobre o clima.
- Grammatical Nuance
- Unlike the verb 'gostar', which is very broad, 'simpatizar' is specifically about the 'vibe' or the 'aura' of a person. It is slightly more formal than 'ir com a cara de alguém' (to go with someone's face), which is the colloquial equivalent. When you use 'simpatizar', you are making a conscious observation about your internal reaction to an external stimulus, usually a person's personality.
Embora eles tenham opiniões diferentes, o diretor disse que simpatiza com a coragem do novo funcionário em expressar suas ideias.
Não é que eu seja um especialista no assunto, mas eu simpatizo muito com essa nova proposta de design minimalista.
Ela sempre foi uma pessoa difícil, mas por algum motivo, todos na vizinhança simpatizam com ela.
- Present Tense
- In the present tense, it describes a current feeling or a general disposition. 'Eu simpatizo com ele' means 'I like him' (in a friendly, non-romantic, first-impression way). It’s a great way to talk about people you've recently met. It can also describe a general stance: 'Nós simpatizamos com a sua causa' (We sympathize with/support your cause).
Eu simpatizo muito com o seu irmão; ele é muito educado e prestativo.
- Past Tense (Preterite)
- The preterite is used to describe the specific moment you took a liking to someone. 'Eu simpatizei com ela assim que a vi' (I liked her as soon as I saw her). This highlights the 'click' that happens during a first encounter. It is very common in storytelling or when recounting social events.
Desde o primeiro dia de aula, os alunos simpatizaram com o novo professor de história.
- Negative Usage
- To express that you didn't take a liking to someone, simply add 'não'. 'Não simpatizo com ele' is a polite way of saying 'I don't really like him' or 'He's not my cup of tea'. It sounds less harsh than 'Eu não gosto dele', which implies a more established dislike.
Para ser sincero, eu não simpatizei muito com a ideia de mudar o escritório para o centro da cidade.
Você acha que eles vão simpatizar com a nossa proposta de aumentar o prazo do projeto?
Ninguém simpatizava com o antigo síndico do prédio porque ele era muito autoritário.
Apesar de ser um estilo radical, muitas pessoas simpatizam com a arte urbana e o grafite.
- Workplace Dynamics
- In an office, you might hear a manager say they 'simpatizaram' with a candidate during an interview. This doesn't mean they feel sorry for them; it means they liked their personality and think they would fit the team culture. It’s a key word for cultural fit.
O chefe simpatizou com o estagiário logo de cara, o que facilitou muito a integração dele na equipe.
- Social Gatherings
- At a party, if you introduce two friends and they get along well, you might later ask: 'Você simpatizou com ele?' (Did you like him/get along with him?). It’s the standard way to check if a social connection was made. It’s softer and more observational than asking 'Do you like him?'.
Espero que meus pais simpatizem com o meu novo namorado quando o conhecerem no jantar de amanhã.
Milhares de simpatizantes do partido se reuniram na praça principal para apoiar o candidato.
- Media and Literature
- In soap operas (novelas) or movies, characters often discuss their feelings about others using this verb. It helps establish the 'chemistry' between characters. If a character says 'Não simpatizo com aquela vizinha', it sets up a potential conflict based on personality clashing.
Na novela das oito, a protagonista não simpatiza com a sogra, o que gera muitas cenas cômicas.
Embora o filme seja longo, eu simpatizo com a mensagem que o diretor tentou passar sobre a amizade.
Muitos críticos de arte não simpatizam com as obras modernas que usam materiais reciclados.
- Mistake 1: Meaning Confusion
- The biggest mistake is using 'simpatizar' when you mean to feel pity or sorrow for someone's misfortune. If a friend's dog dies, and you say 'Eu simpatizo com você', it sounds like you 'like' them or 'get along' with them in that moment, which is weird. Instead, use 'Sinto muito' (I'm sorry) or 'Eu me solidarizo com você' (I stand in solidarity/sympathy with you).
Errado: Eu simpatizo com a sua perda. (Incorrect context for 'pity')
- Mistake 2: Missing the Preposition
- In English, 'sympathize' is often followed by 'with'. In Portuguese, 'simpatizar' *must* be followed by 'com'. Learners often treat it like 'gostar' and try to use 'de', or treat it like a direct verb and use nothing. You must always use 'com'.
Errado: Eu simpatizo ele. Correto: Eu simpatizo COM ele.
- Mistake 3: Reflexive Overuse
- Many Portuguese verbs that involve feelings are reflexive (e.g., 'apaixonar-se', 'chatear-se'). Learners often assume 'simpatizar' is reflexive too. Saying 'Eu me simpatizo' is technically incorrect in modern standard Portuguese, though you might hear it in some dialects. Stick to 'Eu simpatizo' to be safe.
Errado: Nós nos simpatizamos com a ideia. Correto: Nós simpatizamos com a ideia.
- Mistake 4: Over-reliance on 'Gostar'
- While not a grammatical error, using 'gostar' for everything makes your Portuguese sound basic. If you want to describe that specific 'first impression' feeling, 'simpatizar' is the better choice. Using 'gostar' for someone you just met can sometimes sound too strong or intimate depending on the context.
Dica: Use simpatizar para descrever a primeira impressão positiva de alguém que você acabou de conhecer.
Espero que você não simpatize com as desculpas dele; ele sempre se atrasa para as reuniões.
Muitos alunos não simpatizam com as regras rígidas da nova diretoria da escola.
- Gostar de
- The most common alternative. While 'simpatizar' is about an initial click or a general affinity, 'gostar de' is broader. You 'gosta de' chocolate, 'gosta de' your mom, and 'gosta de' swimming. 'Simpatizar' is almost never used for food or hobbies.
- Ir com a cara de
- This is the idiomatic, informal equivalent of 'simpatizar'. Literally 'to go with the face of', it means you liked someone's vibe upon meeting them. It is very common in Brazil. 'Não fui com a cara dele' means 'I didn't like his vibe'.
Eu não fui com a cara daquele vendedor; ele parecia muito insistente.
- Ter afinidade com
- This is a slightly more intellectual or deep way to say you 'simpatiza'. It implies shared interests or similar ways of thinking. You have 'afinidade' with someone you can talk to for hours about a specific topic.
Nós temos muita afinidade em relação ao cinema europeu clássico.
- Empatizar
- Often confused with 'simpatizar', 'empatizar' is the true equivalent of 'to empathize'—to put oneself in another's shoes and feel what they feel. It is a much deeper psychological term and is used in discussions about emotional intelligence.
É importante empatizar com os clientes para entender as suas reais necessidades.
Eu simpatizo com a sua posição, mas não posso concordar com as suas conclusões finais.
Muitos eleitores simpatizam com o discurso de renovação, mas têm medo de mudanças bruscas.
Embora não sejam amigos íntimos, eles simpatizam um com o outro e sempre trocam ideias cordiais.
How Formal Is It?
"O comitê simpatizou com os termos da nova proposta comercial."
"Eu simpatizo muito com a sua irmã, ela é nota dez."
"Cara, simpatizei muito com aquele brother que você trouxe."
"A professora simpatizou com o desenho colorido do aluno."
"O santo não bateu, não simpatizei com a peça."
Fun Fact
In many languages, 'sympathy' evolved to mean pity, but in Portuguese, it retained more of the 'affinity' and 'attraction' sense, leading to the common adjective 'simpático'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'm' fully (it should just nasalize the 'i').
- Pronouncing 'z' as 's'.
- Stress on the wrong syllable.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize because of the English cognate, but requires care with meaning.
Requires remembering the 'com' preposition and correct conjugation.
Nasal 'im' and final 'r' can be tricky for beginners.
Clearly audible in most conversations.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Prepositional Verbs
Simpatizar requer a preposição 'com'.
Nasal Vowels
O 'im' em simpatizar é uma vogal nasal.
Verbs ending in -izar
Muitos verbos de ação/sentido terminam em -izar.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Eles simpatizam (plural).
Negative Placement
Eu NÃO simpatizo (antes do verbo).
Examples by Level
Eu simpatizo com o meu novo colega.
I take a liking to my new colleague.
Present tense, 1st person singular + 'com'.
Você simpatiza com ela?
Do you like her? (first impression)
Question form, 2nd person singular.
Nós simpatizamos com a ideia do projeto.
We like the project idea.
Present tense, 1st person plural.
Muitos jovens simpatizam com movimentos ecológicos.
Many young people sympathize with ecological movements.
Present tense, 3rd person plural.
Embora ele seja sério, eu sempre simpatizei com seu jeito.
Although he is serious, I always liked his way.
Preterite tense, showing a past and lasting impression.
A crítica não simpatizou com a nova estética do diretor.
The critics did not take a liking to the director's new aesthetic.
Preterite tense, used in a professional/artistic context.
A diplomacia exige que simpatizemos com diversas culturas.
Diplomacy requires that we sympathize with diverse cultures.
Present subjunctive, 1st person plural.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To not like someone's vibe/look.
Eu não simpatizo com a cara dele.
— To find a suggestion appealing.
Simpatizei com a sua sugestão de restaurante.
— (Rare/Formal) To feel for someone's pain.
É preciso simpatizar com a dor alheia.
— To support a political party.
Ele sempre simpatizou com o partido verde.
— To get along with the new neighbor.
Meus pais simpatizaram com o novo vizinho.
— To be okay with or like a change.
Nem todos simpatizaram com a mudança de horário.
— To like the teacher's personality.
Os alunos simpatizaram com o professor de artes.
— To like the atmosphere of a place.
Simpatizei com o clima acolhedor da cidade.
— To like a character in a book/movie.
Eu simpatizo com o vilão dessa história.
Often Confused With
English 'sympathize' often means pity; Portuguese 'simpatizar' means taking a liking to.
Means to feel what another feels (empathy), not just liking them.
The correct word for expressing sympathy in times of grief.
Idioms & Expressions
— The most common idiom for 'simpatizar'.
Eu não fui com a cara daquele cara.
Informal— When two people's 'saints' (spirits) get along instantly.
O nosso santo bateu na hora!
Informal/Slang— To have a soft spot for something/someone.
Ela tem um fraco por pessoas engraçadas.
Neutral— To be well-impressed (often leads to simpatizar).
Fiquei bem impressionado com o rapaz.
Neutral— To become liked by someone (usually someone in power).
O estagiário caiu nas graças do diretor.
Neutral/Formal— To be exactly someone's type (often leads to simpatizar).
Esse estilo de música é a sua cara!
Informal— To be on the same wavelength.
Nós estamos na mesma sintonia sobre o projeto.
Neutral— Usually romantic, but can mean a good social vibe.
Pintou um clima legal entre os dois.
InformalEasily Confused
It's the adjective form.
Simpático is a trait; simpatizar is the action of liking that trait.
Ele é simpático, por isso simpatizo com ele.
It's the opposite adjective.
Describes someone you would likely NOT simpatizar with.
Ele é antipático, não simpatizo com ele.
Similar sound.
Empatia is an emotional depth; simpatia is a social surface.
Tenho empatia por ele, mas não simpatizo com seu estilo.
Similar meaning.
Gostar is general; simpatizar is specifically for affinity/impressions.
Eu gosto de pizza, mas simpatizo com o garçom.
Similar concept.
Afinidade is a shared quality; simpatizar is the feeling.
Temos afinidade, por isso simpatizamos.
Sentence Patterns
Eu simpatizo com [Pessoa].
Eu simpatizo com o João.
Nós simpatizamos com [Ideia].
Nós simpatizamos com a ideia.
[Pessoa] simpatiza com [Causa].
Ela simpatiza com a causa.
Não simpatizo com [Comportamento].
Não simpatizo com grosseria.
É difícil não simpatizar com [Situação].
É difícil não simpatizar com o esforço dele.
Embora [Condição], simpatizo com [Alvo].
Embora discorde, simpatizo com sua paixão.
Você simpatiza com [Alguém]?
Você simpatiza com o novo diretor?
Eles nunca simpatizaram com [Algo].
Eles nunca simpatizaram com o frio.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in social contexts.
-
Eu simpatizo ele.
→
Eu simpatizo COM ele.
You must use the preposition 'com'.
-
Eu me simpatizo com ela.
→
Eu simpatizo com ela.
The verb is not reflexive in modern Portuguese.
-
Simpatizo com sua perda.
→
Sinto muito por sua perda.
Don't use 'simpatizar' for pity/grief.
-
Eu simpatizo de chocolate.
→
Eu gosto de chocolate.
Don't use 'simpatizar' for food.
-
Ele simpatisou comigo.
→
Ele simpatizou comigo.
Spelled with a 'z', not an 's'.
Tips
The 'Com' Rule
Always pair 'simpatizar' with 'com'. Think of it as 'linking with' someone.
First Impressions
Use this word specifically when talking about someone you just met.
Beyond Gostar
Level up your Portuguese by using 'simpatizar' for social vibes.
Not Pity
Remember: 'Simpatizar' is for liking, not for feeling sorry.
Nasal 'im'
The 'im' in simpatizar is like the 'in' in the French 'vin'. Don't close your lips for the 'm'.
Formal Support
Use it in emails to show you like a proposal without fully committing.
Political News
Watch for 'simpatizantes' in the news to understand support groups.
Greek Roots
Remember it comes from 'feeling together' to help memorize the affinity aspect.
Simpatizar vs Empatizar
Simpatizar = I like you. Empatizar = I feel your pain.
Be Specific
Use 'simpatizar' when you want to describe a 'click' rather than a deep love.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Simp' (Simple) + 'Pat' (a pat on the back) + 'Izar' (to make). You make a simple pat on the back for someone you LIKE.
Visual Association
Imagine two people shaking hands and a little 'lightbulb' or 'heart' clicking between them. They 'simpatizam'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'simpatizar' three times today instead of 'gostar' when talking about people you've met recently.
Word Origin
From the Greek 'sympatheia' (feeling together) via Latin 'sympathia'.
Original meaning: To share a feeling or to be affected by the same influence.
Indo-European (Italic -> Romance).Cultural Context
The word is very safe and positive. However, saying 'Não simpatizo com ele' is a clear but polite social rejection.
English speakers often say 'I sympathize with you' when someone is sad. In Portuguese, this is a mistake. Use 'solidarizar-se' for sadness.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
First Meetings
- Simpatizei com ele.
- Foi fácil simpatizar.
- Simpatizamos logo.
Politics
- Simpatizantes do partido.
- Simpatizar com a causa.
- Não simpatizo com o governo.
Professional
- Simpatizar com a proposta.
- O cliente simpatizou.
- Simpatizar com a cultura da empresa.
Art/Style
- Simpatizar com o estilo.
- Não simpatizo com essa cor.
- Simpatizar com a estética.
Dating (Initial)
- Simpatizei com o pretendente.
- Espero que ela simpatize.
- Eles simpatizaram.
Conversation Starters
"Você simpatizou com o novo vizinho que se mudou ontem?"
"Eu não simpatizei muito com aquele filme, e você?"
"Você acha que o chefe vai simpatizar com a nossa ideia de home office?"
"Com quais causas sociais você mais simpatiza atualmente?"
"É possível simpatizar com alguém que tem opiniões totalmente diferentes das suas?"
Journal Prompts
Escreva sobre uma pessoa com quem você simpatizou imediatamente. O que causou essa sensação?
Você já mudou de ideia sobre alguém com quem não simpatizava no início?
Quais são as qualidades que fazem você simpatizar com uma ideia nova?
Descreva um encontro social onde você simpatizou com todos os presentes.
Pense em um personagem de livro com quem você simpatiza. Por que ele é cativante?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally, no. We use 'gostar' for food. 'Simpatizar' is for people, ideas, or styles.
It is always 'simpatizar com'. Using 'de' is a common mistake.
No, that would be 'ter pena' or 'solidarizar-se'. 'Simpatizar' means you like them.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting.
It is a person who supports a cause or party but isn't necessarily a member.
Yes, you can 'simpatizar' with a dog or cat if you like its personality.
In modern Portuguese, no. Just say 'Eu simpatizo'.
'Eu não simpatizo muito com ele' is very polite.
'Ir com a cara' is the informal/slang version of 'simpatizar'.
Yes, 'simpatizei' is very common for first meetings.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence about a person you like using 'simpatizar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a political or social cause you support using 'simpatizar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say out loud: 'Eu simpatizo muito com o seu irmão.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Transcribe: [Audio: Nós simpatizamos com a proposta.]
Write a sentence using 'não simpatizo'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'simpatizante'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'Nós simpatizamos com a causa ambiental.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Transcribe: [Audio: Você simpatizou com o novo filme?]
Write a short paragraph about someone you 'simpatizou' with at a party.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'simpatizar' in the future tense.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'Eu não simpatizei com a comida, mas simpatizei com o garçom.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Transcribe: [Audio: Os alunos simpatizam com o novo método.]
Write a sentence about a character in a movie you 'simpatiza'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a question asking someone if they liked a new person.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'É impossível não simpatizar com ela.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Transcribe: [Audio: Eu simpatizei com o seu ponto de vista.]
Write a sentence about why you 'simpatiza' with a certain artist.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a time you did NOT 'simpatizar' with someone.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'Não simpatizo com essa atitude.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Transcribe: [Audio: Muitos simpatizam com a causa.]
Write a sentence about a cause you 'simpatiza'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a person you 'simpatizou' with today.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'Eu simpatizo muito com a sua família.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Transcribe: [Audio: Todos simpatizaram com ele.]
Write a sentence about a style of music you 'simpatiza'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a person you 'simpatizou' with recently.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'Eu simpatizo com a sua opinião.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Transcribe: [Audio: Nós simpatizamos com a mudança.]
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'simpatizar com' when you want to say you 'clicked' with someone or found an idea appealing. Example: 'Eu simpatizei com ela na hora' (I liked her instantly).
- Simpatizar means taking a liking to someone or an idea, usually as a first impression.
- It always requires the preposition 'com' (with) and is rarely reflexive in modern usage.
- It is a 'partial friend' to English 'sympathize'; it's more about liking than pitying.
- It is used for people, ideas, and causes, but rarely for food, hobbies, or objects.
The 'Com' Rule
Always pair 'simpatizar' with 'com'. Think of it as 'linking with' someone.
First Impressions
Use this word specifically when talking about someone you just met.
Beyond Gostar
Level up your Portuguese by using 'simpatizar' for social vibes.
Not Pity
Remember: 'Simpatizar' is for liking, not for feeling sorry.
Related Content
More emotions words
a sério?
A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2Emotionally disturbed or upset; shaken.
abalar
A2To shake or disturb (emotionally); to affect deeply.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
B1In a dejected or disheartened manner; dejectedly.
abatido
A2Dejected; sad and depressed; dispirited.
abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2openly, frankly; without concealment; publicly.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.