me gusta tu coche
/me ɡusta tu kot͡ʃe/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I like your car" is translated into Spanish as me gusta tu coche.
This phrase is used to express that you find someone's vehicle attractive or appealing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase me gusta tu coche literally translates to "to me it is pleasing your car". This is because the verb gustar functions differently than the English verb "to like".
Which one should you use?
The form me gusta tu coche implies a level of familiarity with the owner. If you are speaking to a stranger or someone in a formal setting, you should use su coche.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In most of Latin America, the word carro is used instead of coche to refer to an automobile, such as in me gusta tu carro. In countries like Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, auto is a very common way to refer to a car.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ɡusta tu kotʃe/
Did you know?
- The word coche is a relative of the English word 'coach'. Both terms trace their roots back to Kocs, a Hungarian village famous for inventing a new suspension system for carriages in the 15th century.
- In certain Latin American contexts, calling a car a carro can also refer to a cart or a trolley, depending on the region. This can lead to humorous situations where someone thinks you are praising their shopping cart instead of their vehicle.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, praising a luxury item like a car can be seen as a social 'opening'. It is often used as a strategic way to start a conversation with a stranger or build rapport in a professional setting.
Examples in context
- Me gusta tu coche.I like your car.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase me gusta tu coche.Tatoeba #945526 by hayastan, translation #257112 by CK
- Me gusta su automóvil. Tiene un diseño elegante.I like your car. It has an elegant design.
- Me gusta tu coche. Es muy deportivo.I like your car. It's very sporty.
- Oye, me gusta tu coche.Hey, I like your car.
- De verdad, me gusta tu coche nuevo.Truly, I like your new car.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are standing in a parking lot.
- JavierElena, me gusta tu coche.Elena, I like your car.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, Javier.Thank you very much, Javier.
- Javier¿Es un modelo nuevo?Is it a new model?
- ElenaSí, lo compré el mes pasado.Yes, I bought it last month.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coche, me, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
