Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Eu gosto de chuva.
Why is the subject pronoun Eu included if the verb form already indicates the subject?
Portuguese is a pro-drop language, meaning that subject pronouns can be omitted when the verb conjugation clearly shows who is performing the action. Including Eu adds emphasis or clarity, which can be especially helpful for language learners.
Why is the preposition de used after the verb gostar?
In Portuguese, the verb gostar always requires the preposition de before its object. This fixed construction—gostar de—is the standard way to express liking something, much like certain verbs in English require specific prepositions.
Why is there no article before chuva? Would it be correct to say "Eu gosto da chuva" instead?
Omitting the article indicates that the statement is about rain in general rather than a specific instance of rain. Using the definite article (as in "da chuva") would suggest you’re referring to a particular rain. When expressing general preferences, it’s common to drop the article.
What does the ending -o in gosto signify in this sentence?
The -o ending in gosto shows that the verb is conjugated in the first person singular present tense, corresponding to I like in English. It clearly indicates that the speaker is referring to themselves.
Is the construction "Eu gosto de chuva" used similarly in European and Brazilian Portuguese?
Yes, the structure "Eu gosto de chuva" is standard in both European and Brazilian Portuguese. Although there are differences in pronunciation and some vocabulary choices between the two variants, the grammatical construction here remains the same.
Can this sentence be modified to express a stronger or milder preference?
Absolutely. To express a stronger liking, you might say "Eu adoro a chuva" (I adore rain). Alternatively, if you want to indicate a less intense sentiment, you can choose a milder expression or add qualifiers. The key change is in the verb or additional descriptive words rather than the sentence structure itself.