Discussing our preferences, whether for a film, sport, activity, or a holiday destination, is a common part of daily conversations. It’s almost second nature to express our likes and dislikes, from our favorite food and drink to our preferred school subjects. In the age of social media, sharing our preferences has become even more prevalent, underscoring the importance of conveying our likes and dislikes effectively, especially when learning a new language like Spanish.
Understanding “Gustar”
At the heart of expressing likes in Spanish is the verb gustar, commonly translated as “to like.” However, a more accurate interpretation is “to be pleasing to.” Unlike regular verbs in Spanish, gustar is used with indirect object pronouns (me, te, le, nos, les), which precede the conjugated form of the verb. This construction allows for both singular and plural references, depending on whether the object of affection is singular or plural.
Singular and Plural Use:
Me gusta el fútbol (I like soccer)
Me gustan el fútbol y el tenis (I like soccer and tennis).
The pronouns and their corresponding forms are:
Me gusta/gustan > I like
Te gusta/gustan > You like (informal)
Le gusta/gustan > He, She, You like(s) (formal)
Nos gusta/gustan > We like
Les gusta/gustan > They, You like (plural)
Highlighting Specific Preferences
When the preference involves specific people or names, the preposition a is used for emphasis before the person’s name or pronoun (él, ella, nosotros, etc.):
A ella le gusta visitar el zoológico. > “She likes visiting the zoo.”
A María le gusta ir a la playa. > “Maria enjoys going to the beach.”
Beyond “Gustar”: Other Expressions of Preference
Spanish offers a rich palette of expressions to discuss likes and dislikes, enabling speakers to convey their feelings with nuance and variety:
Me encanta viajar. > “I love to travel.”
Me fascina esta canción. > “This song fascinates me.”
Me agrada este lugar. > “I like this place.”
Me interesa el arte. > “I’m interested in art.”
Me divierte jugar tenis. > “Playing tennis amuses me.”
Amo la ópera. > “I love the opera.”
With these phrases at your disposal, you’re well-equipped to share your likes and dislikes in Spanish with greater authenticity and precision.
Take Your Spanish Further with Bright Lingua
Ready to dive deeper into Spanish and master the art of expressing preferences among many other language skills? At Bright Lingua, we’re dedicated to providing tailored lessons that align with your unique learning style and objectives. Our approach ensures that you not only learn Spanish but also connect with the culture and nuances of the language. Sign up for lessons today and start your journey to fluency with the best methodology suited to your goals.