What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "it pleases me that" or "that pleases me" because the subject is the thing being liked, not the person.
Which one should you use?
The word eso implies that the object you are talking about is somewhat distant from both the speaker and the listener. If the object were closer to the speaker, you would use esto (this) instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the colloquial expression Me mola eso is popular, which uses the verb molar to mean that something is "cool" or "rocks".
How does it change in a sentence?
While me gusta eso is used for a singular object, if the things you like are plural, you must change the verb to the plural form gustan.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ɡusta eso/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying yo gusto eso. English speakers often mistakenly use yo gusto to say "I like", but in Spanish, the person being pleased is the indirect object me, not the subject yo.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'like' for both people and things, using me gusta for a person in Spanish often implies a romantic attraction rather than a platonic liking.
- While me gusta eso is common, using the word gustar in a reflexive way, gustarse, changes the meaning entirely to 'to be pleased with oneself'.
- The word eso is a descendant of the Latin word ipsum, which means 'itself'.
Examples in context
- Me gusta eso.I like that.This example shows the standard way to use me gusta eso.Tatoeba #1512323 by marcelostockle, translation #1121357 by cntrational
- Me gusta ese coche.I like that car.
- Me agrada ese libro.I like that book.
- Me agrada esta propuesta.I like this proposal.
- Me chifla ese programa.I love that TV show.
- Me mola tu camiseta.I like your T-shirt.
- No me gusta eso.I don't like that.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- JavierMira este cuadro, es increíble.Look at this painting, it's incredible.
- SofíaSí, me gusta eso.Yes, I like that.
- Javier¿Crees que quedaría bien en casa?Do you think it would look good at home?
- SofíaCreo que sí, Sofía.I think so, Sofia.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eso, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
