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Questions & Answers about Eu gosto do meu trabalho.
What is the verb gostar, and what exactly does gosto mean here?
Gosto is the first-person singular present of gostar, which means to like. So Eu gosto = I like.
Why do we use do before meu trabalho instead of just de?
Gostar requires the preposition de before its object. Since trabalho is masculine singular and is normally introduced by the definite article o (i.e. o meu trabalho), de + o contracts to do. Hence gosto do meu trabalho.
I learned that possessive pronouns can drop the article. Can I say Gosto de meu trabalho?
You can, but it’s less common in Brazilian Portuguese. Standard usage includes the definite article before the possessive, so gosto do meu trabalho sounds more natural. Omitting the article (gosto de meu trabalho) tends to be more formal or literary.
Is it necessary to include eu at the beginning of the sentence?
No. Portuguese is a pro-drop language, so Gosto do meu trabalho (without eu) is perfectly acceptable; the verb ending already indicates the subject.
How do you make this sentence negative?
Place não before the verb:
Eu não gosto do meu trabalho = I don’t like my job.
What’s the difference between trabalho and trabalhar?
Trabalho is a noun meaning job or work, while trabalhar is the infinitive verb to work.
- Eu gosto do meu trabalho = I like my job
- Eu gosto de trabalhar = I like working
How would I ask Do you like your job? in Portuguese?
Use the pronoun você and the possessive seu:
Você gosta do seu trabalho?
When should I use gostar versus amar?
Use gostar de to express liking or enjoying something, and amar for loving, which is a stronger emotion.
For example:
- Eu gosto do meu trabalho (I like my job)
- Eu amo minha família (I love my family)