Portuguese Phrase
Que comida você mais gosta?
Meaning
This is a direct way to ask someone about their favorite food or culinary preferences. It combines the interrogative 'Que' (what) with the verb 'gostar' (to like) and the intensifier 'mais' (more/most). In Brazilian Portuguese, the preposition 'de' is often omitted in this specific question structure during casual conversation.
When to use
Use this phrase when getting to know someone, making small talk at a dinner party, or deciding on a restaurant. It is a very common and polite icebreaker in social situations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quecomidavocêmaisgosta
Gostar (Verb)
The verb 'gostar' always relates to 'de' (of), though in this specific question format, the 'de' is frequently dropped in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
Mais (Adverb)
In this context, 'mais' functions as a superlative, turning 'like' into 'like the most' or 'favorite'.
🗨In Conversation
Que comida você mais gosta?
What food do you like the most?
Eu gosto muito de sushi, e você?
I like sushi a lot, and you?
✕Common Mistakes
Que comida você mais gosta de?
While 'gostar' requires 'de', putting it at the end of the sentence is an anglicism; in casual speech, it is usually omitted or placed at the beginning.
O que comida você mais gosta?
Use 'Que' when followed directly by a noun like 'comida'; 'O que' is used when the pronoun stands alone.
↔Alternatives
Qual é a sua comida favorita?
What is your favorite food?
De que tipo de comida você gosta?
What type of food do you like?
Cultural Tip
Food is a major pillar of Brazilian social life. When you ask this, expect a passionate answer often involving regional specialties like feijoada, churrasco, or pão de queijo. Brazilians love to share their culinary heritage, so this question is a great way to build rapport.