gustan — meaning in English: like

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for like

vida

gustan

estúpido

entiendo

sientes

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Spanish for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native Spanish speakers commonly use 'gustan' when discussing preferences regarding multiple items or subjects, such as in a conversation about favorite foods or activities. For instance, saying 'Me gustan las películas' (I like movies) indicates a fondness for movies in general, often in casual settings like gatherings or friendly chats.

Synonyms & nuances

'Gustan' specifically conveys liking in a way that focuses on the liked subjects rather than the person doing the liking. In contrast, words like 'encantar' (to love) express a stronger preference, while 'preferir' (to prefer) indicates a choice among options. Choose 'gustan' when you want to express a general liking without the intensity of 'encantar.'

Culture

'Gustan' comes from the Spanish verb 'gustar,' which derives from the Latin 'gustare,' meaning 'to taste.' Interestingly, the structure of this verb emphasizes the subject's effect on the speaker, making it feel as though the subject is doing the liking, rather than the speaker doing the liking—a concept that can intrigue learners of Spanish.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 'gustan' in a sentence?

'Gustan' is used for plural subjects. For example, 'Me gustan los libros' means 'I like books.' Remember, it agrees with the subject, not the person expressing the feeling.

Q.What is the difference between 'gustan' and 'gusta'?

'Gustan' is used when the subject is plural, while 'gusta' is used for singular subjects. For instance, 'Me gusta el libro' (I like the book) vs. 'Me gustan los libros' (I like the books).

Q.Are there common mistakes with 'gustan'?

A frequent error is confusing the subject's plurality with the speaker's preferences. Ensure the subject matches: say 'Me gustan las manzanas' for 'I like apples,' not 'Me gusta las manzanas.'

Learn spanish with Maspeak →

Spanish 1000