Verbs like "Gustar"
Verbs like gustar are famously hard to get right in Spanish, especially when you're just starting out. However, with a little bit of explaining and a lot of practice, you'll be a pro at using these verbs in no time.
The most recognizable verb in this category of verbs like gustar is obviously gustar itself, which is often translated as to like, though it literally means to be pleasing to.
How Gustar Works
With gustar and verbs like it, the subject of the sentence is the thing being liked, while the thing doing the liking is expressed via an indirect object.
Spanish | Literal English Translation | Everyday English Translation |
---|---|---|
Apples are pleasing to me. | I like apples. |
- In the above Spanish sentence, manzanas (apples) is the subject, so gustar is conjugated in the third person plural to match the plural word manzanas.
- The indirect object me is used to show to whom the apples are pleasing.
Forming Verbs like Gustar
Verbs like gustar all use indirect object pronouns.
Gustar-like verbs are always conjugated to match the subject noun (the thing being liked).
For example:
If a sentence with a verb like gustar begins with the subject, more focus is given to the thing being liked (the subject) than the liker (the indirect object.)
For example:
Sentences with verbs like gustar may include the preposition a, plus a pronoun or noun that matches the indirect object. This is usually included to draw attention to or make explicit whatever is doing the liking.
For example:
Common Verbs Like Gustar
Below you will find a list of common verbs that function like gustar.
Spanish | English | Spanish | English |
---|---|---|---|
to bore | to be lacking | ||
to please | to fascinate | ||
to gladden | to annoy | ||
to love | to please | ||
to feel like | to be missed | ||
to attract | to matter | ||
to be enough | to interest | ||
to fit, to fill | to bother | ||
to be better for | to appear to be | ||
to be responsible for | to itch | ||
to cost | to worry | ||
to disgust | to remain | ||
to hurt | to disgust | ||
to delight | to be left over | ||
to surprise | to be responsible for |
Check out these examples with verbs like gustar.
Spanish | English |
---|---|
Are you interested in going to the movies? | |
We are bothered by the noise. | |
Many women really like love stories. | |
I like cold days. | |
Sports cars are attractive to her. | |
Washing the clothes is our responsibility. | |
Politics interest you. |
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