Me gusta.....me gustan

[Marianopolita]

This is a challenging grammar point for beginners and beyond because to say I like xxx in Spanish just does not follow the same syntax structure as English. For some people it is easy to understand for others it’s a challenge.

I like those shoes = Me gustan esos zapatos 👠

She likes the blouse= Le gusta la blusa 👚

He likes to study = Le gusta estudiar 📚

Here is a very helpful link from the BBC. You may not be able to see the video because of your location but the rest of the webpage has very helpful information.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zfgt6v4/articles/zbw4f4j

-MP.

 

[william webster]

If the object of the verb is plural (shoes ). = gustan

A singular object... = gusta

Is that it ??

Not the subject - the object of the verb dictates

 

[nanita]

I like to think of this verb as 'it pleases me' rather than 'I like'
(a mi) me gustan los zapatos (the shoes please me)
(a mi) me gusta el cafe (coffee pleases me)
(a el) le gusto (I please him)
(a ella) le gusta el futbol (soccer pleases her)

 

[Marianopolita]

If the object of the verb is plural (shoes ). = gustan

A singular object... = gusta

Is that it ??

Not the subject - the object of the verb dictates

Yes that is correct.

 

[Marianopolita]

I like to think of this verb as 'it pleases me' rather than 'I like'
(a mi) me gustan los zapatos (the shoes please me)
(a mi) me gusta el cafe (coffee pleases me)
(a el) le gusto (I please him)
(a ella) le gusta el futbol (soccer pleases her)

Yes, but that is so literal. No one speaks like that in English unless to make a point or for emphasis. As well, it sounds quite formal in certain scenarios.

I like tea vs tea pleases me.....Nadie habla así.

I understand what you are saying though. It helps with the grammatical understanding of these verb structures and that is how it is taught in grammar books. There are a handful of verbs that operate this way in Spanish. For e.g. Me encanta...same concept.

 

[nanita]

Yes, but that is so literal. No one speaks like that in English unless to make a point or for emphasis. As well, it sounds quite formal in certain scenarios.

I like tea vs tea pleases me.....Nadie habla así.

I understand what you are saying though. It helps with the grammatical understanding of these verb structures and that is how it is taught in grammar books. There are a handful of verbs that operate this way in Spanish. For e.g. Me encanta...same concept.

Of course nobody speaks that way! LOL
As I said, I like to THINK of the verb 'gustarse' asi. It helps me make sure I am conjugating it correctly.
And of course, the literal translation is much closer to 'it pleases me' than 'I like it'.

 

[Marianopolita]

For anyone who needs more clarity on how to conjugate and understand the usage of Gustar here is a helpful visual and link.

Conjugation of the verb Gustar (not Gustarse) in the present tense:

The Spanish verb gustar: how to use it (and other related verbs)

www.speakeasybcn.com

-MP.

 

[NanSanPedro]

Question on the "a mi, a ti, etc." Do normal Spanish speaking people use it?
I've seen me gusta, te gusta, etc., with it and without on Fluencia. There doesn't seem to be any rationale for putting it there or omitting it?, or is there?

 

[Marianopolita]

Question on the "a mi, a ti, etc." Do normal Spanish speaking people use it?
I've seen me gusta, te gusta, etc., with it and without on Fluencia. There doesn't seem to be any rationale for putting it there or omitting it?, or is there?

Normal Spanish-speaking people....okay.😉


Yes, it is used and it is usually for emphasis or in certain cases a él or a ella are used for clarification because if you say le gusta la chaqueta it is not clear if it he or she likes the jacket. If you say a ella le gusta la chaqueta it is clear- she likes the jacket 🧥.

 

[NanSanPedro]

Normal Spanish-speaking people....okay.😉


Yes, it is used and it is usually for emphasis or in certain cases a él or a ella are used for clarification because if you say le gusta la chaqueta it is not clear if it he or she likes the jacket. If you say a ella le gusta la chaqueta it is clear- she likes the jacket 🧥.

gracias!

 

[drstock]

I know the rule but do get confused when saying something about people like "I like her" or "he likes you", especially in conversation when you don't have time to think.

 

[Marianopolita]

@drstock

But if you like someone with no romantic interest it would not be Gustar. It would be Caer.

Me cae muy bien- I like him/ her a lot or I really like him/ her.