What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "it enchants me this place". The verb encanta is used in the third person singular to agree with the subject este lugar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, you might hear the informal phrase Este lugar es lo máximo to mean "This place is the best". In Spain, the equivalent informal expression is Este lugar es lo mejor.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the verb encanta must agree with the subject este lugar, if you change the sentence to say "I love these places", you must use the plural form me encantan estos lugares.
How do you pronounce it?
/me enkanta este luɡaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying yo amo este lugar. While this is a literal translation of "I love this place", English speakers often make this error. In Spanish, the verb amar is typically reserved for deep romantic or familial love, while encantar is the natural way to express being delighted by a place or thing.
Did you know?
- While me encanta este lugar is standard, in some Latin American regions, people use the phrase está padrísimo or está bacán to express that they love a place in a very casual way.
- The verb encantar used in this phrase carries a historical connection to magic, as it once described the act of casting a spell or putting someone into a trance.
- The word este is a distant relative of the English word 'east' and the name 'Austria'.
Examples in context
- Este lugar es lo máximo. Sus playas paradisíacas y su deliciosa comida hacen que me sienta como en el paraíso.This place is the best. Its paradisiacal beaches and its delicious food make me feel like I am in paradise.
- Me encanta este lugar para caminar.I love this place for walking.
- ¡Me encanta este lugar, es muy tranquilo!I love this place, it is very quiet!
- Realmente me encanta este lugar.I really love this place.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are sitting in a beautiful park.
- MaríaMe encanta este lugar, Alejandro.I love this place, Alejandro.
- AlejandroA mí también, es muy bonito.Me too, it is very beautiful.
- María¿Quieres quedarte un rato más?Do you want to stay a little longer?
- AlejandroSí, por supuesto.Yes, of course.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries este, lugar, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
