Likes & Dislikes
Gustos y Preferencias
After this lesson, you'll be able to:
- ✓Express likes and dislikes using gustar
- ✓Use indirect object pronouns (me/te/le/nos/les)
- ✓Talk about hobbies and free time activities
- ✓Distinguish between gustar + noun vs gustar + infinitive
- ✓Use other "backwards" verbs like encantar and interesar
Grammar Focus
Essential grammar for this lesson with examples.
How Gustar Works - It's Backwards!
In English, we say "I like chocolate." In Spanish, the structure is reversed: "Me gusta el chocolate" (literally: "Chocolate pleases me"). The thing you like is the subject, and YOU are the indirect object.
This means gustar only has two main forms:
• gusta - when you like ONE thing or an action• gustan - when you like MULTIPLE things
Examples:
Indirect Object Pronouns
These pronouns go BEFORE gustar to show WHO likes something:
Examples:
Gustar + Singular Noun
Use gusta (singular) when you like ONE thing. Don't forget the article (el/la)!
Examples:
Gustar + Plural Noun
Use gustan (plural) when you like MULTIPLE things or a plural noun.
Examples:
Gustar + Infinitive
Use gusta (singular) when you like DOING something. The infinitive (-ar/-er/-ir) acts as a singular noun.
Examples:
Clarifying with "A + Person"
Since "le" and "les" can mean different people, we often clarify by adding a + person at the start:
Examples:
Other "Backwards" Verbs
Several verbs work exactly like gustar. They all follow the same pattern:
Examples:
Expressing Degrees of Liking
Add these words to express how much you like something:
Examples:
Conversation Example
Ana and Pablo are getting to know each other and discussing their hobbies.
🌍 Expressing Enthusiasm in Spanish
Spanish speakers often express enthusiasm more openly than English speakers. While "me gusta" (I like) is neutral, "¡me encanta!" (I love it!) is very common and shows genuine enthusiasm. You'll hear "¡Qué bien!" (How great!), "¡Genial!" (Awesome!), and "¡Me mola!" (I love it! - Spain slang) frequently. When discussing hobbies, Spanish speakers often ask "¿Qué te gusta hacer?" as a way to get to know someone. Sharing interests is an important part of social bonding in Spanish-speaking cultures.