Using “Gustar”: How to Say “I Like” in Spanish


One of the first challenges for Spanish learners is understanding how to express likes and dislikes. Unlike English, Spanish doesn’t say “I like pizza” directly. Instead, it uses the verb “gustar”, which literally means “to please.”

Mastering gustar is essential for everyday conversation, expressing preferences, and sounding natural in Spanish. This guide explains how gustar works, how to use it correctly, and common mistakes to avoid.

How “Gustar” Works

In English, we say:

  • I like chocolate.

In Spanish, the structure flips:

  • Me gusta el chocolate. → Literally: “Chocolate pleases me.”

Key points:

  • Indirect object pronouns indicate who likes something:

    • me = to me

    • te = to you (informal)

    • le = to him/her/you (formal)

    • nos = to us

    • os = to you all (informal, Spain)

    • les = to them/you all (formal)

  • Gusta vs. Gustan depends on what is liked:

    • Singular nouns or infinitive verbs → gusta

    • Plural nouns → gustan

Examples:

  • Me gusta la música. (I like music.)

  • Me gustan los libros. (I like books.)

  • Me gusta bailar. (I like dancing.)

Step-by-Step Guide to Using “Gustar”

1. Identify the Subject of Liking

The thing you like is actually the subject in Spanish.

  • Me gusta el helado. → el helado is the subject.

  • Les gustan los perros. → los perros is the subject.

2. Choose the Correct Indirect Object Pronoun

Decide who is experiencing the liking:

  • Me → I

  • Te → You

  • Le → He/She/You (formal)

  • Nos → We

  • Os → You all (Spain)

  • Les → They/You all

3. Match “Gustar” to the Subject

  • Singular → gusta

  • Plural → gustan

4. Add Emphasis if Needed

To clarify or emphasize who likes something, use a + pronoun or name:

  • A mí me gusta el chocolate. → I like chocolate (emphasis)

  • A Juan le gustan los deportes. → Juan likes sports

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using “gustar” like “like” in English
    ❌ Yo gusto pizza. → Wrong
    ✅ Me gusta la pizza. → Correct

  2. Forgetting plural agreement
    ❌ Me gusta los libros. → Wrong
    ✅ Me gustan los libros. → Correct

  3. Mixing subject and pronoun
    Remember: the thing you like is the subject, not the person.

Advanced Tips

  • Using “encantar” for strong liking

    • Me encanta viajar. → I love traveling.

  • Using “interesar” for interest

    • Me interesa la historia. → History interests me.

  • Negative forms

    • No me gusta el café. → I don’t like coffee.

    • No les gustan los gatos. → They don’t like cats.

  • Questions

    • ¿Te gusta el chocolate? → Do you like chocolate?

    • ¿Les gustan los deportes? → Do they like sports?

Practice Examples

  • Me gusta correr por la mañana. → I like running in the morning.

  • Nos gustan las películas de acción. → We like action movies.

  • A María le gusta cantar. → María likes to sing.

  • No me gustan los lunes. → I don’t like Mondays.

Consistent practice with sentences like these helps learners internalize the correct structure and sound more natural in conversation.

Conclusion

Using gustar correctly may feel counterintuitive at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Remember to:

  1. Identify the subject (what is liked)

  2. Choose the right indirect object pronoun

  3. Match gusta/gustan with the subject

  4. Add emphasis when necessary

Once you master gustar, expressing preferences in Spanish will feel natural, making your conversations smoother and more authentic.