Portuguese Phrase
Estava delicioso, obrigado/obrigada.
Meaning
This phrase is used to express appreciation for food that was very good. 'Estava' is the past imperfect tense of 'estar' (to be), indicating a temporary state. 'Delicioso' means delicious. 'Obrigado' is used by male speakers, and 'obrigada' by female speakers, both meaning 'thank you'.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase after finishing a meal, a snack, or a drink that you thoroughly enjoyed. It's a polite way to compliment the cook, host, or server, showing gratitude for the food provided.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Estavadelicioso,obrigado/obrigada.
Estar (Estava)
'Estar' is used for temporary states, conditions, or locations. 'Estava' is the imperfect past tense, indicating that the deliciousness was a temporary state at a specific past moment, like during or after a meal. It contrasts with 'ser' (to be), which is for permanent characteristics.
Delicioso
This adjective means 'delicious'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes. In this case, it refers to the food (implied 'a comida' or 'o prato'), which is masculine singular, hence 'delicioso'.
Obrigado/Obrigada
This word means 'thank you'. It functions as an adjective and must agree in gender with the speaker. A male speaker says 'obrigado', and a female speaker says 'obrigada'. It literally means 'obligated' or 'indebted'.
🗨In Conversation
Espero que tenhas gostado do jantar.
I hope you liked dinner.
Estava delicioso, obrigado/obrigada!
It was delicious, thank you!
✕Common Mistakes
Era delicioso, obrigado/obrigada.
Using 'ser' (era) instead of 'estar' (estava) for taste. 'Ser' is for permanent characteristics, while 'estar' is for temporary states like how something tastes at a specific moment.
Estava delicioso, obrigado.
A female speaker should use 'obrigada'. The word 'obrigado/obrigada' must agree in gender with the person speaking.
↔Alternatives
Muito bom!
Very good!
Adorei!
I loved it!
Que delícia!
What a delight!
A comida estava ótima, muito obrigado/obrigada.
The food was great, thank you very much.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, expressing appreciation for food is highly valued. It's common to compliment the cook or host, and this phrase is a perfect way to do so. Remember the gender agreement for 'obrigado/obrigada' – it's a key politeness marker. Using the correct form shows respect and good command of the language.