me gusta
/me ˈɡusta/
The English phrase "i have a crush on" can be expressed in Spanish using me gusta.
me gusta is the standard way to express attraction. While it can be translated as "I have a crush on," it is a more general expression and can range from "I like" to "I am attracted to".
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, me gusta translates to "it pleases me".
How do you pronounce it?
/me ˈɡusta/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say yo gusto when they mean "I like". However, in Spanish, the person being liked is the subject, so you must use me gusta.
Did you know?
- In colloquial slang, some people use estoy tragado to say they have a heavy crush. This literally means 'I am swallowed', suggesting the crush has completely overtaken their identity.
- In some regions, a crush is called a flechazo. This comes from the word for 'arrow', referencing the mythical arrow shot by Cupid to make two people fall in love instantly.
- While me gusta is used for a crush, the phrase me caes bien is used for someone you like as a person but are not attracted to. Using me gusta in a friendship context can lead to an accidental romantic confession.
Examples in context
- Me gusta mucho ese chico.I really like that guy.
- Me gusta la nueva vecina.I have a crush on the new neighbor.
- Creo que me gusta tu hermano.I think I have a crush on your brother.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking about their classmates.
- ElenaDaniel, me gusta el chico nuevo.Daniel, I have a crush on the new guy.
- DanielNo sabía que te gustaba.I didn't know you had a crush on him.
- ElenaSí, es muy simpático y divertido.Yes, he is very nice and funny.
- DanielDeberías hablar con él mañana.You should talk to him tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry me gusta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
