What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from qué (what), te (to you), gusta (it pleases) and hacer (to do).
Which one should you use?
The form ¿qué te gusta hacer? is used for a single person in an informal context, while ¿qué le gusta hacer? is the polite version for a single person. When addressing groups, ¿qué os gusta hacer? is used for a group of people you know well in Spain, whereas ¿qué les gusta hacer? is used for a group in Latin America regardless of how formal you are being.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The informal expression ¿qué te gusta hacer? is understood in Mexico, Spain and Argentina.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to one person you address as usted, use ¿qué le gusta hacer? To ask a group of people you are on familiar terms with in Spain, use ¿qué os gusta hacer? In Latin American Spanish, use ¿qué les gusta hacer? when addressing a group of people, regardless of formality.
Did you know?
- If you answer this question with me gusta…, you are using a structure that mirrors how Spanish speakers express love or attraction. The same verb is used for both hobbies and romantic interests.
- The word hacer was written as fazer in Old Spanish. This reflects its Latin origin facere before the 'f' sound evolved into a silent 'h'.
- While ¿qué te gusta hacer? is common, Spanish speakers often use the phrase ¿en qué pasas tu tiempo? to ask about hobbies. This shifts the focus from 'liking' an activity to how one 'spends' their time.
Examples in context
- Me gusta leer.I like to read.
- Si no tienes trabajo, ¿qué te gusta hacer?If you don't have work, what do you like to do?
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are getting to know each other at a cafe.
- MateoHola Elena, ¿qué te gusta hacer?Hello Elena, what do you like to do?
- ElenaMe gusta mucho leer novelas.I really like reading novels.
- Mateo¡Qué bien! A mí también me gusta leer.That's great! I like reading too.
- ElenaEntonces podemos hablar de libros pronto.Then we can talk about books soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hacer, qué, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
