1.3 Gustar and similar verbs
Al viajero le encantan los boleros.
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1.3 Gustar and similar verbs
Using the verb gustar
• Though gustar is translated as to like in English, its
literal meaning is to please. Gustar is preceded by an
indirect object pronoun indicating the person who is
pleased. It is followed by a noun indicating the thing or
person that pleases.
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1.3 Gustar and similar verbs
• Because the thing or person that pleases is the subject,
gustar agrees in person and number with it. Most
commonly the subject is third person singular or plural.
Singular subject
Plural subject
Nos gusta la música de
Celia Cruz.
Me gustan las quesadillas.
We like Celia Cruz’s music.
I like quesadillas.
Les gusta su casa nueva.
¿Te gustan las películas
románticas?
They like their new house.
Do you like romantic
movies?
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1.3 Gustar and similar verbs
• When gustar is followed by one or more verbs in the
infinitive, the singular form of gustar is always used.
No nos gusta llegar tarde.
Les gusta cantar y bailar.
We don’t like to arrive late.
They like to sing and dance.
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1.3 Gustar and similar verbs
• Gustar is often used in the conditional (me gustaría) to
soften a request.
Me gustaría un refresco, por
favor.
I would like a soda, please.
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¿Te gustaría ir a una cita con
mi amigo?
Would you like to go on a
date with my friend?
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1.3 Gustar and similar verbs
Verbs like gustar
• Many verbs follow the same pattern as gustar.
Me fascina el cine.
¿Te molesta si voy contigo?
Movies fascinate me.
Will it bother you if I come
along?
A Sandra le disgusta esa situación.
Me duelen sus mentiras.
That situation upsets Sandra.
Her lies hurt me.
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1.3 Gustar and similar verbs
• The construction a + [prepositional pronoun] or
a + [noun] can be used to emphasize who is pleased,
bothered, etc.
A ella no le gusta bailar,
pero a él sí.
She doesn’t like to dance,
but he does.
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A Felipe le molesta ir de
compras.
Shopping bothers Felipe.
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1.3 Gustar and similar verbs
• Faltar expresses what someone or something lacks and
quedar expresses what someone or something has left.
Quedar is also used to talk about how clothing fits or
looks on someone.
Le falta dinero.
Le falta sal a la comida.
He’s short of money.
The food needs some salt.
A la impresora no le queda papel.
Esa falda te queda bien.
The printer is out of paper.
That skirt fits you well.
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1.3 Gustar and similar verbs
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