Verbs like gustar Gustar and Similar Verbs l Even though we usually translate the verb gustar as “to like”, it literally means “to please”.

Verbs like gustar

Gustar and Similar Verbs

Even though we usually translate the verb gustar as “to like”, it literally means “to please”.

Gustar and Similar Verbs

So when you say, Me gustan las botas, you’re actually saying, “The boots are pleasing to me.”

Gustar and Similar Verbs

Botas is the subject of the sentence, and me is the indirect object. Here’s the pattern:

Gustar and Similar Verbs

Indirect object + form of gustar + subject

The subject in a sentence with gustar usually follows the verb.

Remember Indirect Object Pronouns

me nos

te os

le les

Gustar and Similar Verbs

You need to know if the subject is singular or plural to know which form of gustar to use.

Gustar and Similar Verbs

If the subject is singular, use gusta.

If it’s plural, use gustan.If it’s an infinitive verb, use

gusta.

Gustar and Similar Verbs

Me gusta el suéter en el almacén pero no me gustan las faldas.

Gustar and Similar Verbs

A mis amigos les gusta comprar la ropa.

Gustar and Similar Verbs

To emphasize or clarify who is pleased, you can use an additional a + pronoun:

Gustar and Similar Verbs

A mí me gustan las sandalias, pero a él no le gustan.

Here are the other verbs you know that are similar to gustar:

Verbs Like gustarThere are several verbs that

always use indirect objects (just like gustar):

Verbs Like gustarencantar to love, to delightgustar to be pleasingimportar to be importantinteresar to be of interestquedar to fit

Verbs Like gustarThese verbs all use a similar

construction: indirect object pronoun + verb + subject

Verbs Like gustarMe gusta el béisbol.Literally: Baseball is

pleasing to me.

Verbs Like gustarThe two forms of these verbs

that are most commonly used are the Ud./él/ella and Uds./ellos/ellas forms.

Verbs Like gustar¿Te interesan los deportes?Literally: Are sports

interesting to you?

¿Te interesan los deportes?Sí, me interesa el béisbol.Literally: Yes, baseball is

interesting to me.

Verbs Like gustar

Verbs Like gustarRemember that in the

previous sentences, the subjects are béisbol and deportes, and me and te are indirect object pronouns.

Gustar and Similar Verbs

EncantarA mis padres les encanta

el teatro.

Gustar and Similar Verbs

ImportarNos importa sacar

buenas notas.

Gustar and Similar Verbs

InteresarNos interesan los

programas musicales.

Gustar and Similar Verbs

Quedar¿No te queda bien el

vestido?