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Questions & Answers about Eu gosto de silêncio.
What does the sentence "Eu gosto de silêncio." mean in English?
It translates to "I like silence." The sentence is a simple expression of preference.
Why is the preposition de used after gosto?
In Portuguese, the verb gostar (to like) is always followed by the preposition de to introduce the thing or concept one likes. So, gosto de silêncio literally means "I like of silence," which is how Portuguese structures this idea.
Is the subject pronoun Eu necessary in this sentence?
No, it isn’t strictly necessary. Portuguese verb conjugations indicate the subject clearly, so you could simply say "Gosto de silêncio." However, beginners often use Eu to reinforce who is performing the action.
Why doesn’t the sentence include an article before silêncio?
Abstract nouns or general concepts in Portuguese often appear without an article. In this case, silêncio is used to describe a general state rather than a specific instance, so no article is required.
How is the verb gostar conjugated in this sentence, and can it change with different subjects?
Gosto is the first-person singular ("I") present indicative form of gostar. For other subjects, the form changes: for example, tu gostas de silêncio (you like silence, informal singular) or ele/ela gosta de silêncio (he/she likes silence).
Does silêncio always require an accent in Portuguese?
Yes, silêncio includes an accent on the e (resulting in silêncio) to signal the correct pronunciation according to Portuguese spelling rules. Without the accent, the pronunciation and meaning might be affected.