Portuguese Phrase
Você gosta de cozinhar?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct question used to inquire about someone's hobbies or preferences regarding food preparation. It utilizes the verb 'gostar', which is a 'transitive indirect' verb in Portuguese, meaning it fundamentally requires the preposition 'de' to function correctly.
When to use
Use this phrase in social settings as an icebreaker or when discussing daily routines and lifestyle. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts when getting to know someone better.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêgostadecozinhar
Gostar de
The verb 'gostar' requires the preposition 'de'. Unlike English where you say 'I like [something]', in Portuguese you say 'Eu gosto DE [something]'.
Infinitive after Preposition
When 'de' is followed by an action, the verb remains in its base infinitive form, in this case ending in -ar.
🗨In Conversation
Você gosta de cozinhar?
Do you like to cook?
Sim, eu adoro fazer novas receitas no fim de semana.
Yes, I love making new recipes on the weekend.
✕Common Mistakes
Você gosta cozinhar?
In Portuguese, the verb 'gostar' must always be followed by the preposition 'de' before the object or action.
Você gosta de cozinha?
'Cozinha' is the noun for 'kitchen'; you must use the infinitive verb 'cozinhar' to refer to the act of cooking.
↔Alternatives
Gosta de cozinhar?
Do (you) like to cook? (Informal drop of the pronoun)
Você curte cozinhar?
Do you enjoy cooking? (Slang/Very casual)
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, cooking is often a social and family-oriented activity. Asking this can lead to enthusiastic discussions about regional dishes like feijoada or pão de queijo, as food is a major pillar of Brazilian hospitality and culture.