Learning how to express your feelings is an essential part of any language journey. If you want to convey your liking towards someone in Spanish, it’s important to understand both the formal and informal ways of expressing this sentiment. In this guide, we’ll explore various phrases, tips, and examples to help you effectively express “I like them” in Spanish.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “I Like Them”
When you want to express your liking for someone formally, such as in professional or respectful situations, you can use the following phrases:
1. Me gustan. – I like them.
Here, “gustan” is the third person plural form of the Spanish verb “gustar” (to like). This phrase can be used when talking about a group of people or when referring to someone respectfully. For example:
Me gustan los empleados de esta empresa. – I like the employees of this company.
Me gustan sus ideas. – I like their ideas.
2. Me agradan. – I like them.
The verb “agradar” in Spanish expresses a sense of approval, satisfaction, or appreciation. It is commonly used in formal or polite contexts. For instance:
Me agradan mucho tus padres. – I really like your parents.
Me agradan sus cualidades. – I like their qualities.
3. Me caen bien. – I like them.
When you want to specifically express that you have a favorable impression of someone, you can use the phrase “me caen bien.” It is quite commonly used in formal settings. Examples include:
Me caen bien tus colegas. – I like your colleagues.
Me caen bien sus modales. – I like their manners.
2. Informal Ways to Say “I Like Them”
In more casual or informal situations, you can use the following phrases to express your liking towards someone:
1. Me gustan. – I like them.
As mentioned earlier, “gustan” is the plural form of the verb “gustar,” which is used to express liking in Spanish. In informal contexts, this phrase works perfectly fine as well. For example:
Me gustan tus amigos. – I like your friends.
Me gustan sus canciones. – I like their songs.
2. Me caen bien. – I like them.
“Me caen bien” is also commonly used in informal settings, much like in formal situations. Use this phrase to express your liking towards someone in a casual manner. For instance:
Me caen bien tus hermanos. – I like your siblings.
Me caen bien sus chistes. – I like their jokes.
3. Cultural Tips and Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are used widely across Spanish-speaking countries, it’s essential to note that regional variations may exist. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Me caen chéveres. – I like them. (Used in some Latin American countries)
The word “chévere” is a colloquialism commonly used in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. It means “cool” or “great.” So, this phrase would convey a sense of “I like them a lot” with a regional touch in those countries. Example:
Me caen chéveres tus amigos. – I really like your friends.
2. Me mola(n). – I like them. (Used in Spain)
In Spain, the word “molar” is commonly used as a synonym for “gustar” (to like). Hence, the phrase carries a similar meaning. Example:
Me mola(n) sus bromas. – I like their jokes.
4. Additional Phrases and Examples
Here are a few additional phrases and examples that can help you express your liking towards someone:
1. Me encantan. – I love them.
This phrase expresses a stronger sense of liking or admiration. Use it when you want to convey deeper feelings towards someone.
2. Me parecen geniales. – I think they are great.
“Parecer” means “to seem” or “to appear.” This phrase is excellent when you want to express admiration for someone or their qualities.
3. Me resultan simpáticos. – I find them nice.
The phrase uses “resultar” to express that someone comes across as nice or friendly.
Remember, the more you practice and immerse yourself in the Spanish language, the better you’ll become at expressing your feelings. Use these phrases and adapt them based on the context and relationship you have with the person you’re talking about.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
