How does "a mí" function in this sentence?

Question

In Learn Spanish 1.6 at the point 5:56, Paralee appends this sentence:

"Me gustan mucho los fines de semana" to state: "A mí me gustan mucho los fines de semana."

I don't understand how "a mí" functions in the new sentence. Can anybody help me out here? Thanks.

Welcome to the forum! - pesta, Aug 10, 2011

Thank you, as I commented to another user, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly my question was answered. This is a very active board. - trip2themoon, Aug 10, 2011

Answer 1

The verb "gustar" means "to be pleasing to." The "a mí" here tells TO WHOM the weekends are pleasing. A mí ME gustan mucho los fines de semana.

A mí = me

A tí = te

A él/ella/usted=le

A nosotros = nos

A vosotros = os

A ellos/ellas/ustedes=les

I hope that this helps!

Thanks Josh, but wouldn't the sentence have had the same meaning without "a mí" being placed before "me?" - trip2themoon, Aug 10, 2011

"me gustan ... " = "I like ...", "A mí me gustan" = "To me/ for me, I like ...", Notice the comma, I'm not sure in the Spanish sentence. - myamx, Aug 10, 2011

a mi is added for emphasis - eltennis97, Aug 10, 2011

Sï. It's just for emphasis. - joshhh317, Aug 10, 2011

ti has no accent mark - 0074b507, Aug 10, 2011

Answer 2

''a + mí'' or ''a + ti'' or ''a + person's name" is used for 2 purposes: 1: To add emphasis as explained explained by SpanishPal above, and 2: In case of ''a + person's name'', to provide clarification in the 3rd person (as ''le'' can be used to for him, her, you and it) e.g: A María le gusta bailar

Thank you, that was an awesome explanation also. - trip2themoon, Aug 10, 2011

Answer 3

Me gustan mucho los fines de semana = I like the weekends

A mí me gustan mucho los fines de semana = for me, I like the weekends.

It's used only for emphasis.

I understand. Thank you for clarifying that. It was not really explained in the video. - trip2themoon, Aug 10, 2011

You're welcome :) - SpanishPal, Aug 10, 2011

Answer 4

I believe it is to say for me personally, in this situation. Possible translation is: "For me, I like weekends very much." Possibly followed by the question: "And for you?" Saludos

Thanks, I must say I am overwhelmed by the rapid responses to my question. This board seems very active! - trip2themoon, Aug 10, 2011