What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "it enchants me the pizza". This is because the verb encantar functions similarly to the verb gustar, where the thing being loved acts as the subject of the sentence.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase Me gusta la pizza un montón. is used to mean "I like pizza a lot."
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing a general liking for a category of things like pizza, you must use the definite article la before the noun. If you change the subject to a plural noun, such as las pizzas, the verb must also change to the plural form encantan.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use yo amo la pizza to express a liking for food. While grammatically possible, me encanta is a much more natural way to express a strong preference for food or objects.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, people use the phrase me flipa la pizza to express an even more intense level of obsession than me encanta.
- The word pizza can be traced back to the Byzantine Greek word píta, which refers to a flatbread.
- Using amo for food can sound overly dramatic, as if you are declaring a deep, soulful romance with a slice of dough.
Examples in context
- Me encanta la pizza con queso.I love pizza with cheese.Tatoeba #1276841 by Shishir, translation #4451725 by XenoKat
- Me encanta la pizza.I love pizza very much.Tatoeba #933310 by darinmex, translation #600494 by loins
- Me encanta la pizza de pepperoni.I love pepperoni pizza.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are deciding what to order for dinner.
- Alejandro¿Quieres comer sushi hoy, Elena?Do you want to eat sushi today, Elena?
- ElenaNo, prefiero otra cosa.No, I prefer something else.
- AlejandroA mí me encanta la pizza, ¿y a ti?I love pizza, and you?
- Elena¡A mí también me encanta!I love it too!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, me, pizza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
