Liking things in general...

Question

I learned that if you like things "in general", you should use the article in Spanish:

Me gusta mirar los deportes... (in general).

Me gustan las manzanas... (in general).

So, if I specifically like RED apples, would I say:

Me gustan manzanas rojas.

Yes, you learned well. When referring to things "in general", use the article. Like, I like men would be "me gustan los hombres". - margaretcorwin, Jul 20, 2011

So, me gustan las manzanas rojas = I like red apples. - margaretcorwin, Jul 20, 2011

Answer 1

Me gustan las manzanas rojas.

Answer 2

You're still speaking in generalities. I like red apples (in general).

Me gustan las manzanas rojas.

If you liked a specific apple you would say "I like this apple." -- Me gusta esta manzana.

"I like various types of apples" -- Me gustan varios tipos de manzana.

Sííí - Goyo, Jul 20, 2011

Are "varios" & "diversos" synonymous in Spanish? I have always heard "varios" to mean "several" (which would work here too) whereas "diversos" addresses variety specifically... anyone? :) - cristalino, Jul 20, 2011

Gracias! - Tosh, Jul 20, 2011

...tipos de manzanas? - Tosh, Jul 21, 2011

Answer 3

If you would say "Me gustan las manzanas" (and that is correct)

Then why would you not say "Me gustan las manzanas rojas"? Of course you would.

Thank you very much, Goyo. That makes sense! - SonrisaDelSol, Jul 20, 2011

Answer 4

If I was talking in the context of a conversation and I wanted to say that a man at the market had AN apple that I liked, would I say Me gusta una manzana.

I guess a better example would be, we've been looking for a used car. I've been the one who has done all the car hunting. So I just came back from a used car dealership and my spouse asks me if I saw anything I liked.

Might I reply with Me gusta un coche allí, pero era demasiado caro.

So, I'm talking about a specific automobile, but using the indefinite, rather than the definite article.

Since your spouse wasn't present when you viewed the cars, it would be "un coche" referring to "a car" and not "the car" (specifically) which your spouse would not have any idea about, having not seen it... yes? - cristalino, Jul 20, 2011

Also, you are giving past tense examples in English, therefore "Me gustó" or "Me gustaba". - Goyo, Jul 21, 2011

Thanks so very, very much for your guidance!! - territurtle, Jul 21, 2011

Answer 5

Thank you for posting this thread. I definitely learned something from this!!