me gustan los monos
/me ɡustan los monos/from spelling rules
To say "I like monkeys" in Spanish, use me gustan los monos.
This phrase is used to express a general fondness or preference for monkeys.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "the monkeys please me". This is because the Spanish verb gustar functions differently than the English "to like".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico or Argentina, you might say Me gustan los changos instead of using the word monos.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb gustan must be plural to agree with the plural subject los monos. If you are talking about a single monkey, the verb must change to the singular form gusta, as in me gusta el mono.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ɡustan los monos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying yo gusto los monos. English speakers often make this mistake by trying to translate the English subject "I" directly into Spanish, but you should use me gustan instead.
Did you know?
- The phrase hacer el mono means to act silly or play the fool to get attention, regardless of whether any animals are present.
- If you use this phrase to describe a person, monita is a common term of endearment used for partners or children to call them 'cute'.
- In Spain, saying you like monos could be misinterpreted as a preference for jumpsuits or one-piece garments rather than animals.
Examples in context
- Cuando visité el zoológico, me gustaron mucho los monos.When I visited the zoo, I really liked the monkeys.
- Desde pequeño, he sentido simpatía por los monos.Since I was young, I have felt a liking for monkeys.
- Los monos son tan divertidos, ¡me encantan!Monkeys are so entertaining, I love them!
- Esos monos son tan graciosos, me chiflan.Those monkeys are so funny, I love them.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are visiting a zoo.
- SofíaMira esos animales, me gustan los monos.Look at those animals, I like monkeys.
- DanielA mí no, prefiero los leones.I don't, I prefer lions.
- SofíaPero me gustan los monos porque son graciosos.But I like monkeys because they are funny.
- DanielEs verdad, Daniel admite que son divertidos.That is true, Daniel admits they are fun.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
