Verbs like gustar Gustar and Similar Verbs l Even though we usually translate the verb gustar as “to like”, it literally means “to please”

Verbs like gustar

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 las botas, you’re actually saying, “The boots are pleasing to me.”


Botas 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.

Remember Indirect Object Pronouns

me nos

te os

le les


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 verb, use

gusta.


Me gusta el suéter en el almacén pero no me gustan las faldas.


A mis amigos les gusta comprar la ropa.


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


A mí me gustan las sandalias, pero a él no le gustan.

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

Verbs Like gustarThere are several verbs that

always use indirect objects (just like gustar):

Verbs Like gustarencantar to love, to delightgustar to be pleasingimportar to be importantinteresar to be of interestquedar to fit

Verbs Like gustarThese verbs all use a similar

construction: indirect object pronoun + verb + subject

Verbs Like gustarMe gusta el béisbol.Literally: Baseball is

pleasing to me.

Verbs Like gustarThe two forms of these verbs

that are most commonly used are the Ud./él/ella and Uds./ellos/ellas forms.

Verbs Like gustar¿Te interesan los deportes?Literally: Are sports

interesting to you?

¿Te interesan los deportes?Sí, me interesa el béisbol.Literally: Yes, baseball is

interesting to me.

Verbs Like gustar

Verbs Like gustarRemember that in the

previous sentences, the subjects are béisbol and deportes, and me and te are indirect object pronouns.


EncantarA mis padres les encanta

el teatro.


ImportarNos importa sacar

buenas notas.


InteresarNos interesan los

programas musicales.


Quedar¿No te queda bien el

vestido?

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Verbs like gustar Gustar and Similar Verbs l Even though we usually translate the verb gustar as “to like”, it literally means “to please”