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Questions & Answers about Eu não gosto de trânsito.
Why is não placed before gosto in the sentence?
In Portuguese, the negation word não is placed directly before the verb it negates. Just as in English we say "I do not like," with not coming before like, the structure "Eu não gosto" clearly indicates that the speaker does not like something. This placement is key to forming a negative sentence in Portuguese.
Why do we use the preposition de after gosto instead of directly using the noun?
The verb gostar in Portuguese is always followed by the preposition de when mentioning what is liked or disliked. It is an inherent part of the verb’s structure, so when expressing "I don't like traffic," you must say "Eu não gosto de trânsito." Omitting the de would make the sentence grammatically incorrect.
What does trânsito mean in this context, and is it a false friend with the English word "transit"?
In this sentence, trânsito refers to "traffic," specifically the flow of vehicles on the roads, often implying congestion. Although trânsito might look similar to the English word "transit," it does not mean public transportation or the act of moving from one place to another; it is specifically about the condition of traffic as experienced on the road.
Can "Eu não gosto de trânsito" be used in both formal and informal contexts?
Yes, this sentence is acceptable in both formal and informal situations in Portugal. It is a clear and standard way to express a personal dislike regarding traffic. In casual conversation, some speakers might even drop the subject, saying "Não gosto de trânsito," but including Eu can add clarity, especially for learners.
Is it necessary to include the subject Eu in this sentence, or can it be omitted?
Portuguese often allows the subject to be omitted because the verb conjugation already indicates the subject. In informal contexts, "Não gosto de trânsito" is perfectly understandable. However, including Eu (i.e., "Eu não gosto de trânsito") makes the sentence explicitly refer to the speaker, which can be beneficial for learners who are still getting comfortable with verb forms and subject pronouns.