"gustar" and similar

Question

¡Hola! I have recently moved to Spain and have been learning Spanish since I arrived 8 months ago.

I have many questions! but one at a time

The verb "gustar" confused me for some time. I was trying to understand why one would say "te quiero" and "te llamo", but say "me gustas". The phrases with "gustar" seemed upside down.

But then, I read that "gustar" should be read as "to please" and so therefore "me gustas" means "you please me".

So, two questions follow:

1. is my understanding correct and helpful?
2. what other verbs follow this unusual form'

Answer 1

The point that I wanted to make was there is nothing "unusual" about this construction (and, even more certainly, the term "backward" is not appropriate because there is no "right" or "natural" expression). The basic situation is that some cause (A) produces an emotional response in someone (B). This can with equal validity be expressed by saying that B experiences the emotion caused by A. In the particular case of like/gustar: with "like" B is the subject of the verb (unless it's expressed using the passive voice) while with "gustar" A is the subject. However, in English and Spanish it is often the case that the subject/object relationship can be reversed (this may require the use of a different verb to reflect the change in the point of view).

Thanks for your help Samdie. The reason I termed it "unusual" was that compared to the verbs I know so far, it is unusual. I didn't realise there were so many. As for "backwards", I didn't mean it as being "stupid", I meant that it seemed to work in reverse to phrases like "te quiero", "te llamo".

Answer 2

Would you please think about carefully before submit any posts? It's a learning forum.
Yes . . . I agree! not sure how this topic digressed into Chinese culture and comments as to its degree of repressiveness.

Lets stick to the topic at hand . . . so GUSTAR is far from alone then? there are hundreds more verbs that behave in a similar way?

And BTW, the poll seems to be even split. What do you say to a girl you only just started dating? "te quiero" or "me gustas" ? lol or is it best to say nothing at all? hahaha

Answer 3

HI Steve, if this thing has just started:

me gustas mucho
me encantas

Te quiero is a more serious matter.

Answer 4

HI Steve, if this thing has just started:

**me gustas mucho

me encantas**

Te quiero is a more serious matter.

Gracias cariño! which is another thing! cariño, me amor and others . . I here it used by all sorts of people (ok mainly girls). When is it appropriate? also, guapa and chica . . . are they derogatory or friendly. Again, what would be good to use with a girl I just started dating'

Answer 5

[del][/del]

Answer 6

ok . . . seriously . . . start a new thread! "chinese and what they are about" or something like that . . . waaaayyyyy off topic now! get a room you two!