What does it mean word for word?
The phrase me gusta literally translates to "it pleases me" rather than the English "I like it".
Which one should you use?
While me gusta is the standard way to say you like something singular, you should use me gustan if the objects you like are plural. In informal contexts, you can use te gusta to say "you like it".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the object being liked acts as the subject of the sentence. Therefore, you must use me gustan if the thing being liked is plural. When speaking to someone informally, use te gusta to indicate that they like something.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ˈɡusta/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying yo gusto to mean "I like". In Spanish, the thing being liked is the subject, so the verb must agree with that object rather than with the person who feels the liking.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, people use the phrase me gusta to describe a physical attraction to a person. However, if the feeling is romantic love, they switch to the verb querer or amar.
- While me gusta is for general liking, Spanish has a separate verb encantar to express that you 'love' or 'really like' something. Using me gusta for something you are passionate about can sometimes sound too mild to a native speaker.
- The word me in 'me gusta' comes from the Latin 'mē', which was the accusative form of 'ego' (I).
Examples in context
- A mí me gusta.I like it.This sentence shows how to use me gusta for emphasis.Tatoeba #10081329 by Shishir, translation #1520245 by ABChessel
- No me gusta nada.I don't like it at all.This sentence shows how to use me gusta in a negative context.Tatoeba #631757 by Shishir, translation #42262 by CK
- Me gusta un poco.I kind of like it.This sentence shows how to use me gusta to express a slight preference.Tatoeba #6813296 by arh, translation #2374707 by CK
- Me gusta tu nuevo libro.I like your new book.
- Me gustan tus zapatos nuevos.I like your new shoes.
- Me agrada su amabilidad.I like your kindness.
- Me encanta esta canción nueva.I love this new song.
- Me mola mucho tu estilo.I dig your style a lot.
- Me gusta harto tu nuevo peinado.I really like your new hairstyle.
- Me cae bien Miguel.I like Miguel.
- 82 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are looking at a new apartment.
- MaríaEs muy luminoso, ¿verdad?It is very bright, right?
- AlejandroSí, y me gusta mucho la cocina.Yes, and I like the kitchen a lot.
- MaríaA mí también me gusta.I like it too.
- AlejandroEs el lugar perfecto para nosotros.It is the perfect place for us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry me gusta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
