What are the differences between gusta and gustaría?

Question

Me gusta comida mexicana.

Me gustaría comida mexicana

Are they the same?

Answer 1

Agree with Fidalgo.

I is like saying "I like to eat Mexican food." versus saying "I would like to eat Mexican food tonight."

It is contextual with the idea that you don't tell your friend "I like to eat Mexican food." when referencing that you wold like to eat that food tonight. The answer doesn't fit the question. More visually:

Friend: Where would you like to eat tonight?

You: I would like Mexican.

---

Amigo: ¿Dónde te gustaría comer esta noche?

Usted: Me gustaría mexicano.

VS.

Friend: Where would you like to eat tonight?

You: I like Mexican.

---

Amigo: ¿Dónde te gustaría comer esta noche?

Usted: Me gusta mexicano.

Welcome to the forum, :) - 00494d19, Feb 7, 2011

Answer 2

Using gustaría is a bit more polite way of stating what you would like

Welcome to the forum, :) - 00494d19, Feb 7, 2011

Answer 3

The questions is similar to "what is the difference between "I like" and "I would like" in English?".

Thanks. - zhmelissa, Feb 6, 2011