Need some help with using gustar please!

Question

Hello! I am still working hard to figure out this language. I have a few questions about using gustar.

1. When using gustar is it proper to use the "a" before each person or just before the first one mentioned? For example: A Juan y a Julia les gusta el helado? or is it proper to say A Juan y Julia les gusta el helado?

2. Do you use the definate article before the noun? A Juan le gusta helado. or A Juan le gusta el helado.

3. Do you use gusta or gustan when list several singular things you like? Me gusta el perro, el gato y el pez. Or Me gustan el perro, el gato y el pez. (I like the dog, the cat and the fish?

So now if I want to be general I like dogs, cats and fish would it be Me gustan perros, gatos y peces without the articles. ?

These articles and their use confuse me at times.

The links are great but I am still a little confused. - bjlehman, Feb 5, 2012

Answer 1

1. The "a" is compulsory before each person or animal when these are the ones who like things: "A Juan y a Julia les gusta el helado".

2. The definite article must be used for generic references in the subject: "A Juan le gusta el helado" is the only correct option; you can't suppress "el" here. The same goes for "Me gustan los perros, los gatos y los peces". In English the rule is the opposite.

3. For a list of individual items you normally use singular: "Me gusta el perro, el gato y el pez".

Thanks! This helps a lot! - bjlehman, Feb 5, 2012

Answer 2

I struggle with this as well, there are some great links here

Thanks! Great links. - bjlehman, Feb 5, 2012

Nice Mary. - katydew, Feb 5, 2012