9.2.1

How to Use 'Gustar'

Test yourself

Form and Use

'Gustar' is 'to like'. 'Gustar' uses indirect object pronouns to show the person who is 'liking' the object. It is formed as follows: indirect object pronoun + 'gusta/gustan' + what is liked. Whenever needed or used, the subject must be used after ‘a’.

Illustrative background for Indirect object pronounsIllustrative background for Indirect object pronouns ?? "content

Indirect object pronouns

  • (Yo) me.
  • (Tú) te.
  • (Él/ella/usted) le.
  • (Nosotros/nosotras) nos.
  • (Vosotros/vosotras) os.
  • (Ellos/ellas/ustedes) les.
Illustrative background for 'Gusta'Illustrative background for 'Gusta' ?? "content

'Gusta'

  • 'Gusta' is used with singular nouns, infinitives and 'que' clauses.
  • You can use any indirect object pronoun with 'gusta'.
  • Me gusta el chocolate.
    • I like chocolate.
  • Te gusta leer.
    • You like to read.
  • Les gusta el pastel.
    • They like cake.
Illustrative background for 'Gustan'Illustrative background for 'Gustan' ?? "content

'Gustan'

  • 'Gustan' is followed by plural nouns.
  • You can use any indirect object pronoun with 'gustan'.
  • Me gustan las comedías.
    • I like comedies.
  • Os gustan los gatos.
    • You like cats.
Illustrative background for When do we use 'a + person'?Illustrative background for When do we use 'a + person'? ?? "content

When do we use 'a + person'?

  • To clarify who likes something (since 'le' and 'les' can be ambiguous).
  • To add emphasis or contrast.
  • A Juan le gusta el fútbol.
    • Juan likes football.
  • A mí me gusta el chocolate.
    • I like chocolate. (emphasizing 'me')
  • A ellos les gustan los libros.
    • They like books.

Jump to other topics

1The Basics

2Everyday Activities

3Personal & Social Life

4The World Around Us

5The World of Work

6The International World

7Listening

7.1Time Expressions - Listening

7.2The Human Body & Health - Listening

7.3Food & Drink - Listening

7.4Travel & Transport - Listening

7.5Self, Family & Friends - Listening

7.6In the Home - Listening

7.7Colours - Listening

7.8Clothes & Accesories - Listening

7.9Leisure Time - Listening

7.10People & Places - Listening

7.11The Environment - Listening

7.12Communications & Technology - Listening

7.13The Built Environment - Listening

7.14Measurements - Listening

7.15Materials - Listening

7.16The World of Work - Listening

7.17Culture, Customs, Faith & Celebrations

8Common Tenses

8.1Present Tense

8.2Preterite Tense

8.3Imperfect Tense

8.4Preterite vs Imperfect Tenses

8.5Future Tense

9Important Verbs

10Advanced Tenses

10.1Future

10.2Conditional

10.3Continuous Tenses

10.4Perfect Tense

10.5Passive

10.6Present Subjunctive

10.7Imperfect Subjunctive

10.8Imperative

11Extra Grammar

11.1Articles

11.2Negatives

11.3Nouns

11.4Asking Questions

11.5Adjectives

11.6Adverbs

11.7Conjunctions

11.8Pronouns

11.9Prepositions

11.10Verbs

11.11Comparisons & Superlative

11.12Numbers, Expressions of Quantity, Dates & Times

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium