Compliments

1. É espetacular!

   It's spectacular!

   Usage

   Express admiration for something spectacular — scenery, art, performance, etc.

   Grammar Note

   "Espetacular" is gender-invariable. Also spelled "espectacular" (Brazilian variant)

2. Fala português muito bem

   You speak Portuguese very well

   Usage

   Compliment someone's Portuguese language ability

   Grammar Note

   Portuguese uses third person for "você" (you). "Fala" = third person of falar

3. Que cidade linda!

   What a beautiful city!

   Usage

   Exclaim about a beautiful city or place

   Grammar Note

   "Que + noun + adjective" forms the exclamation. "Cidade" is feminine, so "linda"

4. A comida estava deliciosa

   The food was delicious

   Usage

   Compliment a meal after finishing it

   Grammar Note

   "Estava" is the imperfect of estar. "Comida" is feminine, so "deliciosa"

5. Tem muito bom gosto

   You have very good taste

   Usage

   Compliment someone's sense of style or aesthetic choices

   Grammar Note

   "Gosto" means taste (flavor or aesthetic). "Ter bom gosto" is idiomatic for good taste

6. Que trabalho incrível!

   What incredible work!

   Usage

   Praise the work of an artisan, artist, or performer

   Grammar Note

   "Que + noun + adjective" forms exclamations. "Trabalho" is masculine; "incrível" is invariable

7. Portugal é um país maravilhoso

   Portugal is a wonderful country

   Usage

   Express your admiration for Portugal to a local — always well received

   Grammar Note

   "Maravilhoso" (marvellous) derives from "maravilha" (marvel/wonder). País (country) is masculine

8. Ficou muito bem em si

   It looks very good on you

   Usage

   Compliment someone's outfit or style in a polite way

   Grammar Note

   "Si" is the formal pronoun. "Ficou" is the third person preterite of ficar (to become/look)

9. Que vista magnífica!

   What a magnificent view!

   Usage

   Express awe at a spectacular view or panorama

   Grammar Note

   "Vista" (view) is feminine, hence "magnífica." Perfect at Lisbon's famous miradouros (viewpoints)

10. Fez um excelente trabalho

    You did an excellent job

    Usage

    Formally praise someone's quality of work or service

    Grammar Note

    "Fez" is the preterite of fazer. "Excelente" is gender-invariable

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