te gusta algo
/te ɡusta alɡo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for 'you like something' is te gusta algo.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, te gusta algo translates to 'something is pleasing to you'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase Me mola un montón is used to say 'I really like it'. In Mexico, the phrase Me late is used to say 'I like it'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this sentence structure, the subject is actually the thing being liked, rather than 'you'.
How do you pronounce it?
/te ɡusta alɡo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use tú gustas algo by trying to translate 'you' as the subject. In Spanish, you must treat the thing being liked as the subject.
Did you know?
- In Spain, mola comes from a term used for the grinding stones of a mill, evolving into a slang term for something 'cool'.
- Because the verb gustar focuses on the object's effect on you, it is often more common to use it for things like food or weather than for expressing deep affection for people.
- The word algo is so versatile that it can also be used as an adverb to mean 'somewhat' or 'to some extent' in certain contexts.
Examples in context
- Esta canción me mola mucho.I dig this song a lot.
- ¡Me flipa ese coche!I'm crazy about that car!
- ¡Esta fiesta me mola un montón!I really like this party!
- ¡Me late mucho esta canción!I really like this song!
- Te gusta algo de mi ropa.You like something about my clothes.
- ¿Te gusta algo de la música?Do you like anything about the music?
- Sé que te gusta algo de este libro.I know you like something about this book.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are looking at a jewelry display.
- MateoMira estos anillos, ¿te gusta algo?Look at these rings, do you like something?
- ElenaSí, el de plata es muy bonito.Yes, the silver one is very pretty.
- MateoEs perfecto para ti, Elena.It is perfect for you, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo, me encanta.Thank you, Mateo, I love it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
