Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Gosto de ler na varanda quando o prédio está silencioso. - I like to read on the balcony when the building is silent.

Portuguese is a pro-drop language: the verb endings (like -o in gosto) already show the subject, so it’s not necessary to include eu. You would only add eu for emphasis or contrast (e.g., Eu gosto de ler, mas ele não).

What does gosto de mean, and why is there a de after gosto?

Gosto de literally means I like. The verb gostar always requires the preposition de before its object, so you must say gostar de algo. Without de, the construction is ungrammatical (e.g., gosto livros is wrong; you need gosto de livros).

Why is the verb ler in the infinitive after gostar de, instead of a gerund like lendo?

In Portuguese, after a preposition (here de), you use the infinitive to turn a verb into a noun-like idea. So gosto de ler (I like reading) uses ler. A gerund (lendo) expresses ongoing action and needs estar + gerund (e.g., estou lendo means I am reading).

Why do we say na varanda instead of em a varanda?

Na is the contraction of em + a. Portuguese frequently contracts prepositions with definite articles:
• em + o → no
• em + a → na
• de + o → do
So na varanda is correct and means on the balcony.

Why is there a definite article before varanda and prédio? Are they mandatory?

Portuguese often uses definite articles with specific or familiar nouns. In na varanda and o prédio, the speaker refers to particular places. You might drop the article in very general expressions, but here it sounds natural and clear with a and o.

What is the function of quando in this sentence?

Quando means when and introduces a temporal clause, telling us the time frame in which the main action happens—that is, reading on the balcony happens when the building is quiet.

Why is estar used in o prédio está silencioso instead of ser?

Portuguese has two verbs for to be: ser for permanent or defining qualities, and estar for temporary states or conditions. A building’s noisiness can change, so you use estar to indicate that it’s quiet at that moment.

Why does the sentence use the simple present (gosto, está) rather than a continuous tense?

Portuguese uses the simple present for habitual actions (Eu gosto de ler) and current states (o prédio está silencioso). For an action in progress, you’d add estar + gerund (e.g., estou lendo).

What’s the nuance of using silencioso instead of synonyms like quieto, calmo, or sossegado?

Silencioso emphasizes the absence of noise. Quieto suggests stillness or lack of movement, calmo refers to calmness (often about weather or mood), and sossegado means peaceful or relaxed. Here you want to stress that the place is free of sound, so silencioso is the best fit.

Can I use terraço or sacada instead of varanda?

Yes. These are regional or contextual synonyms. Varanda generally means a balcony attached to the façade. Sacada is common in Portugal for a small protruding balcony, while terraço refers to a larger, often rooftop, terrace. Choose according to the kind of outdoor space you mean.