What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mi piace literally translates to "it pleases me". Here, mi means "to me" and piace is the third-person singular form of the verb piacere, which means "to please".
Which one should you use?
When the thing being liked is plural, the verb must change from mi piace to mi piacciono.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that you like an action, mi piace is followed directly by the infinitive verb, such as mi piace cantare. If the thing being liked is plural, you must use the form mi piacciono.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying io piace. This is a common error where English speakers try to translate "I" directly. Because the thing being liked is actually the subject of the sentence, you must use the indirect object mi to mean "to me".
When do people say it?
If you want to say "I really like" or "I like a lot" in a more casual way, you can use the colloquial expression Mi piace un sacco.
Did you know?
- To express casual, enthusiastic liking, Italians often use the phrase Mi piace un sacco, which literally translates to 'It pleases me a sack'.
- While mi piace expresses a general liking, Italians often use the verb piacere to express romantic or physical attraction toward a person.
- In a romantic context, saying mi piaci instead of mi piace changes the meaning from 'I like it' to 'I like you'.
Examples in context
- Mi piace il tè.I like tea.This example shows how to use mi piace with a singular noun like tea.Tatoeba #1255411 by Guybrush88, translation #253293 by CK
- Mi piace il blu.I like blue.This example demonstrates using mi piace with a color.Tatoeba #2433369 by Guybrush88, translation #2245933 by CK
- Sa che mi piace.She knows that I like her.This example shows how mi piace can be used within a larger clause.Tatoeba #8090839 by Guybrush88, translation #7384134 by CH
- Mi piace la musica italiana.I like Italian music.
- Trovo piacevole leggere romanzi.I find reading novels enjoyable.
- Mi piace un sacco il gelato alla fragola.I really like strawberry ice cream.
- Adoro ballare.I love dancing.
- Mi piace da impazzire viaggiare.I love traveling madly.
- Magari vado al mare domani!I'd love to go to the beach tomorrow!
- 1290 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are at a cafe choosing a dessert.
- AlessandroTi piace questo dolce?Do you like this dessert?
- SofiaSì, mi piace molto!Yes, I like it a lot!
- AlessandroAnche a me piace.I like it too.
- SofiaPrendiamone un altro, allora.Let's have another one, then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
