μου αρέσει
mou arései
The Greek phrase for 'I like' is μου αρέσει (mou arései).
μου αρέσει is a common and neutral way to express that you find something pleasant or appealing. To express a stronger preference, such as 'I really like it' or 'I like it very much', you can say Μ' αρέσει πολύ.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, μου αρέσει translates to 'to me it is pleasing'.
Which one should you use?
While μου αρέσει is the standard neutral form, there is a slang expression, Γουστάρω, used in informal conversations to mean 'I like'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use μου αρέσει for singular objects, but use μου αρέσουν when you like plural things. If you want to say you like performing an action (e.g., 'I like to eat'), use the construction μου αρέσει να… followed by the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
mou arései
Did you know?
- While μου αρέσει is the standard way to say 'I like', the slang Γουστάρω is derived from the French word 'goût' meaning 'taste'.
- Using μου αρέσει for people can sound slightly objectifying, as if you are saying 'it is pleasing to me' about a person rather than 'I like him/her'. To avoid sounding like you are describing a pleasant object, use different verbs for human attraction.
- In very formal or poetic Greek, expressing a liking for someone can be phrased as με γοητεύεις, which literally means 'you charm me'.
Examples in context
- Μου αρέσει η θέα.I like the view.This sentence shows how to use μου αρέσει to express liking a view.Tatoeba #5413387 by Zeus, translation #2377476 by CK
- Μου αρέσει η ροκ.I like rock.This sentence shows how to use μου αρέσει to express liking rock music.Tatoeba #5534488 by Zeus, translation #3641657 by sacredceltic
- Μου αρέσει η τζαζ.I like jazz.This sentence shows how to use μου αρέσει to express liking jazz music.Tatoeba #2363961 by mululatv, translation #321631 by CK
- Μου αρέσει η θάλασσα.I like the sea.
- Μ' αρέσει πολύ η ελληνική κουζίνα.I really like Greek cuisine.
- Μου αρέσει πολύ αυτή η ταινία.I really like this movie.
- Γουστάρω το νέο σου κούρεμα!I like your new haircut!
- 153 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is sitting in a park in the afternoon.
- Κώστας KostasΜαρία, μου αρέσει η ησυχία εδώ.María, mou aresei i isychía edó.Maria, I like the peace here.
- Μαρία MariaΚώστα, μου αρέσει επίσης ο καιρός.Kósta, mou aresei episís o kerós.Kostas, I also like the weather.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πολύ ωραία μέρα.Eínai polý oreía méra.It is a very nice day.
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, είναι τέλειο.Ne, eínai télio.Yes, it is perfect.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
