Understanding how to use “gustar” (to like) in Spanish can be tricky for non-native speakers. This guide will help you navigate its usage in various contexts, making your Spanish expressions more natural and accurate.
Basic Structure
The basic structure of sentences with “gustar” is:
(Indirect object pronoun) + gustar + (subject)
Remember, “gustar” literally means “to be pleasing to,” which explains its unique structure.
1. With Nouns
When expressing that you like a thing or things, use “gustar” with nouns.
- Singular: “Me gusta la pizza” (I like pizza)
- Plural: “Me gustan los libros” (I like books)
Note how “gusta” becomes “gustan” with plural nouns.
2. With Infinitives
Use “gustar” with infinitives to express liking an action.
- “Me gusta bailar” (I like to dance)
- “Nos gusta viajar” (We like to travel)
The verb remains as “gusta” because the infinitive is considered singular.
3. With Clauses
“Gustar” can be used with entire clauses, usually introduced by “que.”
- “Me gusta que me sorprendan” (I like to be surprised)
- “Le gusta que le escribas” (He/She likes it when you write to him/her)
4. Negative Form
To express dislike, simply add “no” before the indirect object pronoun.
- “No me gusta el ruido” (I don’t like noise)
- “No les gusta madrugar” (They don’t like getting up early)
5. Expressing Attraction or Affection
“Gustar” is also used to express feelings of attraction or affection towards people. Here are some common ways to use it in this context:
- Basic attraction: “Me gustas” (I like you)
- This is a direct way to express romantic interest in someone.
- Stronger feelings: “Me gustas mucho” (I like you a lot)
- This intensifies the expression of attraction.
- Friendly liking: “Me caes bien” (I like you, as a friend)
- While not using “gustar,” this phrase is often used to express platonic liking.
- Talking about others: “Le gustas a María” (María likes you)
- When discussing someone’s attraction to another person.
- Past tense: “Me gustaste desde el principio” (I liked you from the beginning)
- Expressing when the attraction started.
- Conditional: “Me gustaría conocerte mejor” (I would like to get to know you better)
- A more subtle way to express interest in deepening a relationship.
Remember, in romantic contexts, “gustar” can imply anything from a casual attraction to stronger romantic feelings, depending on the context and tone used.
Additional Tips
- Other pronouns: Remember to change the pronoun based on who is doing the liking:
- Te gusta (you like)
- Le gusta (he/she/it likes)
- Nos gusta (we like)
- Os gusta (you all like – Spain)
- Les gusta (they/you all like)
- Emphasis: You can add the prepositional pronoun for emphasis:
- “A mí me gusta el café” (I like coffee)
- “A ella le gustan las películas de terror” (She likes horror movies)
- Questions: To ask what someone likes, use “¿Qué te gusta?” (What do you like?)
Practice these structures, and soon you’ll be expressing your likes and dislikes in Spanish with confidence!