What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Dogs enchant me" because the verb encantar functions like the verb gustar.
Which one should you use?
While Amo a los perros is grammatically correct, Me encantan los perros is the more natural way to express a strong liking or passion for animals in everyday Spanish. You can also use the informal phrase Me chiflan los perros to say "I love dogs".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are talking about one specific dog instead of dogs in general, the verb changes from the plural encantan to the singular encanta, as in Me encanta el perro.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use Yo amo… to express liking things. In Spanish, amar is usually reserved for deep, romantic or profound human love, whereas encantar is used for things you enjoy intensely.
Did you know?
- The expression me encantan comes from the word encantar, which can also mean 'to cast a spell' or 'to bewitch'. When you say you love dogs, you are literally saying they have cast a spell on you.
- The phrase Me chiflan los perros uses the verb chiflar, which literally means 'to whistle'.
- The word perro is used in many Spanish idioms to describe things that are stubborn or difficult. For example, calling a task perra implies it is grueling or unfair.
Examples in context
- Me encantan los perros.I love dogs.Tatoeba #2676217 by Shishir, translation #2006612 by AlanF_US
- Me encantan los perros de mi vecino.I love my neighbor's dogs.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are walking in a park.
- Lucía¡Mira ese labrador! Me encantan los perros.Look at that Labrador! I love dogs.
- JavierA mí también, son muy amigables.Me too, they are very friendly.
- Lucía¿Quieres acariciarlo?Do you want to pet him?
- JavierSí, me parece un perro muy bueno.Yes, he seems like a very good dog.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
