How to Talk About Music You Like in Brazilian Portuguese
Go beyond “I like music” with phrases about artists, genres, lyrics, and when you listen.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Use gosto de música followed by a genre or artist. Brazilian Portuguese genre names include rock, samba, sertanejo, pagode, funk, and música clássica, but a genre label does not describe every artist in the same way.
Say what kind of music you enjoy
Add a specific reason when you can: the lyrics, rhythm, voice, or memory connected to the song. This gives a conversation more to work with than a list of names.
Gosto de samba e de jazz.
I like samba and jazz.
Estou ouvindo muito essa cantora.
I’ve been listening to this singer a lot.
Gosto da letra dessa música.
I like the lyrics of this song.
Talk about when you listen
Use ouvir música to say that you listen to music. Add a time or activity to explain when it fits your routine: no caminho para o trabalho (on the way to work) or quando estou cozinhando (when I’m cooking).
If you want to say that you are listening right now, use estar + gerund: estou ouvindo. Our guide to the present continuous explains that pattern in more detail.
Ouço música quando estou trabalhando.
I listen to music when I’m working.
Estou ouvindo um álbum novo.
I’m listening to a new album.
Você costuma ouvir música no carro?
Do you usually listen to music in the car?
Ask for a recommendation
Ask what someone has been listening to or which song they recommend. When they answer, ask one follow-up about the artist or the lyrics to keep the exchange moving.
For a real event plan, use our concert Portuguese guide. This article focuses on everyday music conversations that can happen anywhere.
O que você tem ouvido ultimamente?
What have you been listening to lately?
Tem alguma música para me recomendar?
Is there a song you can recommend?
Qual é a sua banda brasileira favorita?
What is your favorite Brazilian band?
Put it into practice
Prepare one sentence about a genre, one about when you listen, and one recommendation question for a conversation partner.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I like the lyrics of this song”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.