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

GUSTAR AND SIMILAR

VERBS

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

So when you say…

Me gustan los programas deportivos.

You’re actually saying,

“Sports programs are pleasing to me.”

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

Indirect object + form of gustar + subject

The subject in a sentence with gustar usually follows the verb. The subject conjugates the verb, and NOT the IOP

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

If the subject is singular, use gusta.

If it’s plural, use gustan.

If it’s an infinitive, use gusta.

POR EJEMPLO…

Me gusta el actor en la telenovela pero no me gustan las actrices.

A mis amigos les gusta ver películas.

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

A mí me gustan los dibujos animados, pero a él no le gustan.

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

Aburrir Encantar Faltar Interesar Quedar Doler (oue)