me gusta el chocolate
/me ɡusta el t͡ʃokolate/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I like chocolate" is translated into Spanish as me gusta el chocolate.
This phrase is used to express a general preference for chocolate. It is important to note that in Spanish, when expressing a general preference for a substance or concept, the definite article el is required.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase me gusta literally translates to "it pleases me" rather than "I like".
Which one should you use?
Use me gusta el chocolate to express a general liking for chocolate, whereas me gusta este chocolate would refer to a specific piece of chocolate.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you change the object to a plural noun, the verb must change to gustan, such as in me gustan los chocolates.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ɡusta el tʃokolate/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use yo gusto el chocolate because they try to translate the subject "I" directly.
Did you know?
- The word chocolate is a linguistic traveler that traces its roots back to the Classical Nahuatl word chocolātl, used by the Aztecs.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, chocolate refers not just to candy, but often to a traditional hot drink made with water and cinnamon.
- While me gusta el chocolate expresses a general like, using the phrase me encanta el chocolate changes the meaning to 'I love chocolate'.
Examples in context
- Me gusta el chocolate.I like chocolate.Tatoeba #1236883 by Shishir, translation #255034 by CK
- ¿Le gusta el chocolate? – Sí, me gusta el chocolate.Do you like chocolate? – Yes, I like chocolate.
- ¿Cuál es tu postre favorito? – ¡Me chifla el chocolate!What is your favorite dessert? – I'm crazy about chocolate!
- Me gusta el chocolate oscuro.I like dark chocolate.
- Me gusta el chocolate caliente.I like hot chocolate.
- ¡Me chiflan los churros con chocolate!I'm crazy about churros with chocolate!
- ¿Sabes que me gusta el chocolate?Do you know that I like chocolate?
Example conversation
María and Daniel are choosing a dessert at a cafe.
- MaríaA mí me gusta el chocolate.I like chocolate.
- DanielA mí me gusta más la vainilla.I like vanilla more.
- MaríaEntonces, ¿qué quieres pedir?So, what do you want to order?
- DanielPediré un helado de vainilla.I will order a vanilla ice cream.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chocolate, el, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
