Portuguese Phrase
E se eles não gostarem de mim?
Meaning
This phrase expresses social anxiety or a hypothetical concern about being accepted by others. It uses the future subjunctive 'gostarem' to indicate a possibility that might occur in the future.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are feeling insecure about a new social situation, such as meeting a partner's family, starting a new job, or attending a party where you don't know many people.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Eseelesnãogostaremdemim
Futuro do Subjuntivo
The verb 'gostarem' is in the future subjunctive mood, which is used after 'se' (if) to talk about possible future events.
Preposition 'De'
In Portuguese, you don't just 'like something', you 'like OF something'. Always include 'de' after 'gostar'.
🗨In Conversation
Estou muito nervoso para o jantar de hoje.
I am very nervous for tonight's dinner.
Por quê? E se eles não gostarem de mim?
Why? And what if they don't like me?
✕Common Mistakes
E se eles não gostam de mim?
In a hypothetical 'if' clause about the future, you must use the future subjunctive 'gostarem' instead of the present indicative 'gostam'.
E se eles não gostarem mim?
The verb 'gostar' always requires the preposition 'de' before the object.
↔Alternatives
E se eu não agradar?
What if I don't please them?
Será que eles vão gostar de mim?
I wonder if they will like me?
Cultural Tip
Brazilians are generally very warm and welcoming, so this worry is often met with the reassuring phrase 'Imagina!' (Imagine that! / No way!). Social acceptance is important in Lusophone cultures, but people tend to be inclusive of newcomers.