Portuguese Phrase
Sim, gosto de cozinhar.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct way to express a personal interest or hobby involving food preparation. In Portuguese, the verb 'gostar' is almost always followed by the preposition 'de', making this a foundational sentence structure for beginners.
When to use
Use this phrase in social situations when someone asks about your hobbies or specifically if you enjoy spending time in the kitchen. It is suitable for both formal and informal conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Simgostodecozinhar
Gostar (gosto)
This is the first-person singular present form of 'gostar'. Note that the 'o' in 'gosto' is pronounced as a closed sound /o/.
Regência Verbal
The verb 'gostar' is transitive indirect, meaning it requires the preposition 'de' to connect to its object.
Infinitive
'Cozinhar' is the infinitive form (to cook). After the preposition 'de', verbs remain in their infinitive form.
🗨In Conversation
Você gosta de cozinhar?
Do you like to cook?
Sim, gosto de cozinhar.
Yes, I like to cook.
✕Common Mistakes
Sim, gosto cozinhar.
The verb 'gostar' always requires the preposition 'de' before the activity you like.
Sim, eu gosto para cozinhar.
Do not use 'para' or 'a' after 'gostar'; only 'de' is grammatically correct in this context.
↔Alternatives
Eu adoro cozinhar.
I love to cook.
Eu curto cozinhar.
I enjoy cooking (informal).
Cozinhar é um hobby para mim.
Cooking is a hobby for me.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially in Brazil and Portugal, cooking is a deeply social and familial activity. Saying you like to cook is often seen as an invitation to share recipes or host a 'churrasco' or 'jantar'. Enthusiastic speakers might use 'adoro' (love) instead of 'gosto' (like) to show deeper passion.