Did you know that the verb GUSTAR is one of the most used verbs in everyday conversations but also one of the most confusing for students? In this brief and practical guide, you will completely master this essential verb for expressing tastes, preferences and opinions in Spanish.
You will learn its unique structure, when and how to use it correctly, the different levels of intensity (from “me gusta” to “me encanta”), and the most common mistakes to avoid. By the end of this guide, you will be able to express your likes and dislikes with the naturalness of a native speaker.
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Basic Structure of the Verb GUSTAR
Simple Formula:
[Pronombre] + GUSTA/GUSTAN + [Lo que gusta] – [Pronoun] + LIKE/LIKES + [What you like].
Essential Conjugations:
Me gusta (a mí)
Te gusta (a ti)
Le gusta (a él/ella/usted)
Nos gusta (a nosotros)
Os gusta (a vosotros) – España
Les gusta (a ellos/ellas/ustedes)
¿GUSTA o GUSTAN?
GUSTA – For one thing: “Me gusta el café” ( “I like coffee”.)
GUSTAN – For various things: “Me gustan los libros” ( “I like books”.)
When to Use the Verb GUSTAR
1. Express Preferences
Me gusta el chocolate – I like chocolate
No me gustan las películas de terror – I don’t like horror movies
2. Talk about Activities
Me gusta leer – I like to read
¿Te gusta bailar? – Do you like to dance?
3. Opinions about People
Me gusta tu hermano es simpático – I like your brother (he’s nice)
No me gusta ese profesor – I don’t like that teacher
4. Places and Experiences
Me gusta Barcelona – I like Barcelona
¿Te gusta viajar? – Do you like to travel?
Intensity Scale: From Hate to Love
😍 TOTAL LOVE
Me encanta – “Me encanta la paella” (I love it – “I love paella”).
Me fascina – “Me fascina tu historia” (I am fascinated – “I am fascinated by your story”.)
Me chifla (colloquial) “Me chifla esa canción” (“I love that song”.)
😊 ME GUSTA MUCHO
Me gusta muchísimo . “Me gusta muchisimo el flamenco” (“I like flamenco very much “).
Me gusta mucho – “Me gusta mucho tu casa” (I like it very much – “I like your house very much”).
🙂 ME GUSTA
Me gusta – “Me gusta el café” (I like – “I like coffee”.)
Me gusta bastante – “Me gusta bastante esta ciudad” (I quite like it – “I quite like this city”.)
😐 NEUTRAL/INDIFFERENT
No me gusta ni me disgusta – “No me gusta ni me disgusta el fútbol” (I neither like nor dislike – “I neither like nor dislike soccer”.)
Me da igual – “Me da igual ese restaurante” (I don’t care – “I don’t care about that restaurant”.)
😕 NO ME GUSTA
No me gusta – “No me gusta el pescado” (I don’t like – “I don’t like fish”.)
No me gusta nada – “No me gusta nada madrugar” (I don’t like it at all – “I don’t like getting up early at all”.)
😠 I HATE
No me gusta para nada – “No me gusta para nada ese lugar” (I don’t like it at all – “I don’t like that place at all”.)
Me disgusta – “Me disgusta la mentira” (I dislike – “I dislike lying”).
No soporto – “No soporto el ruido” (I can’t stand – “I can’t stand the noise”.)
Odio – “Odio las colas largas” (Hate – “I hate long lines”.)
Practical Tips for Mastering TASTE
✅ Gold Tips:
Practice with your surroundings
“Me gusta esta música” – “I like this music.”
“No me gusta este tiempo” .-“I don’t like this weather.”
Use intensifiers naturally
Avoid sounding robotic: vary between “me gusta”, “me encanta”, “me fascina” – “I like it”, “I love it”, “I am fascinated by it”.
For clarification, the person adds
” “A mí me gusta el té, pero a él le gusta el café” – I like tea, but he likes coffee.”
With infinitives, always GUSTAR (singular)
“Me gusta comer y dormir” (no “gustan”) – “I like to eat and sleep” (not “like”).
❌ Common Errors:
“Yo gusto la música” ❌ → “Me gusta la música” ✅
“Me gustan comer” ❌
→ “Me gusta comer” ✅“Me gusta mucho mucho” ❌ → “Me gusta muchísimo” ✅
Useful Phrases for Real Conversations
To Ask Tastes:
“¿Te gusta la comida española?” – “Do you like Spanish food?”
“¿Qué tipo de música te gusta?” – “What kind of music do you like?”
“¿Te gustan las películas de acción?” – “Do you like action movies?”
To Express Agreement:
“A mí también me gusta” – “I like it too.”
“A mí tampoco me gusta” – “I don’t like it either.”
To Show Surprise:
“¿En serio te gusta?” – “You really like it?”
“No sabía que te gustaba” – “I didn’t know you liked it.”
Verbs Similar to GUSTAR
These verbs follow the same structure:
Encantar – “Me encanta Barcelona” (-Enchant – “I love Barcelona”).
Interesar – “Me interesa la historia” (-Interesting – “I am interested in history”.)
Molestar – “Me molesta el ruido” ( – Annoy – “Noise bothers me.”)
Fascinar – “Me fascina tu cultura” (- Fascinate – “I am fascinated by your culture”.)
Aburrir – “Me aburre la televisión” (- Bored – “I’m bored with television”.)
Doler – “Me duele la cabeza” ( – To hurt- “My head hurts”.)
Practice Now: Mini-Exercises on the verb Gustar
Your Next Step
Congratulations! You now know the verb GUSTAR completely. To master it:
Practice describing your tastes on a daily basis
Vary the intensity according to your true feelings
Listen carefully to how the natives use it
Don’t be afraid to express your opinions in Spanish
Remember: Spaniards and Spanish speakers greatly value when you express your authentic tastes – it’s one of the best ways to connect culturally!
💡 Final Tip:
The verb GUSTAR is not just grammar; it’s your gateway to deeper conversations and authentic connections in Spanish. Use it with confidence!
Master the verb Gustar
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