Bienvenidos! If you want to learn how to express the concept of “likes” in Spanish, you’ve come to the right place. In Spanish, there are several ways to convey this idea, both formally and informally. Let’s explore them together and look at some tips and examples to fully grasp the usage. ¡Vamos! (Let’s go!)
Table of Contents
Formal ways to say “likes”
When you want to express someone’s likes in a formal context, there are a few phrases you can use. These can come in handy when you’re having a professional conversation or talking to someone you don’t know well. Here are a few options:
1. Gustar
Gustar is the most common verb used to express likes in Spanish. It literally translates to “to like.” However, it functions differently than the English verb “to like.” In Spanish, you use gustar with an indirect object pronoun and the verb in the third person singular or plural form, based on what is being liked, not who likes it.
Example: Me gusta el chocolate. (I like chocolate.)
Example: Le gustan las películas de acción. (He/She likes action movies.)
Note that when talking about multiple likes, the verb gustar changes from gusta to gustan, depending on the thing being liked.
2. Encantar
Another formal option to express strong likes or something that someone loves is encantar. This verb works similarly to gustar, with the difference that encantar conveys a stronger feeling.
Example: Me encanta la música. (I love music.)
Example: Le encantan los perros. (He/She loves dogs.)
Just like gustar, you need to use the appropriate indirect object pronoun and the verb form that agrees with the thing being loved.
Informal ways to say “likes”
In relaxed or informal settings, there are various expressions and slang terms you can use to talk about likes. These phrases add a touch of informality and are more commonly used among friends, family, or peers. Here are a few examples:
1. Molar
Molar is a popular slang verb in Spain and some Latin American countries. It’s used to convey someone’s fondness or enthusiasm for something.
Example: ¡Me mola esta canción! (I really like this song!)
Example: Le molan las series de televisión. (He/She really likes TV series.)
2. Chiflar
The verb chiflar is also used in an informal context to mean “to like.” It is more common in Spain and not as widely used in Latin America. Additionally, it can also mean “to whistle,” so it’s important to interpret it based on the context.
Example: Me chifla la comida mexicana. (I love Mexican food.)
Example: Le chiflan los deportes extremos. (He/She loves extreme sports.)
Tips and Regional Variations
TIP 1: Remember that when using gustar or encantar, the verb agrees with the item being liked, not the person doing the liking, and indirect object pronouns are used to indicate who the liking is directed towards.
TIP 2: In certain Latin American countries, you may come across the phrase “caer bien” to express liking someone or something. It literally means “to fall well.” However, it is more commonly used to refer to someone’s personality rather than their preferences.
TIP 3: Slang terms and expressions may vary greatly between Spanish-speaking countries, regions, and even among different social groups. Some phrases may be exclusive to particular areas or have different meanings, so it is always important to consider context and regional variation.
Recap
Learning how to express “likes” in Spanish is an essential part of communication. Whether you’re using the formal gustar or encantar, or the more informal molar or chiflar, you’re sure to make yourself understood. Remember to use the appropriate verb form and indirect object pronouns, and pay attention to regional variations and context. ¡A disfrutar! (Enjoy!)
