How to Use 'Gustar'
Spanish: Cambridge International GCSE, topic 9.2.1
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’.
Indirect object pronouns
- (Yo) me.
- (Tú) te.
- (Él/ella/usted) le.
- (Nosotros/nosotras) nos.
- (Vosotros/vosotras) os.
- (Ellos/ellas/ustedes) les.
'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.
'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.
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.
Test yourself on How to Use 'Gustar'
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