What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of me (to me), gustan (they please) and los gatos (the cats).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb gustar functions differently than the English "to like". It literally means "to be pleasing to" and must agree in number with the thing being liked. If you are talking about only one cat, the verb must change from the plural gustan to the singular gusta, as in me gusta el gato. Additionally, adding A mí to the beginning of the phrase, as in A mí me gustan los gatos, provides emphasis or contrast, which is often used when comparing your preference to someone else's.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ɡustan los ɡatos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use yo gusto los gatos because they try to translate "I like" directly, but in Spanish, the subject is the cats, not the person.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase dar gato por liebre is a common idiom meaning to deceive someone. It literally translates to 'giving a cat instead of a hare', referring to an old trick of selling cheap meat as expensive game.
- In Madrid, the term gato is used as a nickname for people born and raised in the city. This differs from the slang use in Argentina, where it can be a derogatory term for a lackey.
- While me gustan los gatos expresses a general preference, using the verb encantar instead of gustar transforms the phrase into 'I love cats'. In Spanish, this is the standard way to express a strong liking rather than using a word for romantic love.
Examples in context
- A mí me gustan los gatos más que los perros.I like cats more than dogs.This sentence is useful for comparing your preference for cats to dogs using me gustan los gatos.Tatoeba #2888133 by cueyayotl, translation #2889235 by CK
- Me gustan los gatos y los gatos gustan de mí.I like cats and cats like me.This sentence shows a reciprocal relationship using me gustan los gatos.Tatoeba #11917927 by interlinguistoide, translation #11908723 by shekitten
- Me gustan los gatos.I like cats.This sentence is a simple way to express your preference using me gustan los gatos.Tatoeba #582287 by darinmex, translation #354379 by bourdu
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about their favorite animals.
- LucíaA mí me gustan los gatos.I like cats.
- Mateo¿De verdad? A mí me encantan los perros.Really? I love dogs.
- LucíaBueno, cada uno tiene sus gustos.Well, everyone has their own tastes.
- MateoEs verdad, Lucía.That's true, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
