gusta/gustan

Question

When do you use gusta versus using gustan?

Hi Dlg10043. Welcome to the forum! - rac1, Aug 19, 2012

Answer 1

If whatever you like is singular use gusta, even if you're plural. "Me gusta su sombrero." or "Nos gusta el coche." If the object is plural, use gustan. "¿Te gustan las computadoras?" or "A Joe le gustan los vasos."

Answer 2

Conjugation of gustar can be confusing to English speakers because when like (verb) is used, the person doing the liking is the subject.

But in Spanish when gustar is used, the thing being liked is the subject. To avoid this confusion, you should remember that gustar really means to please.

"You please us" (we like you) ........ "(T'ú) nos gustas"

Now it´s easy - in both languages "you" is the subject.

Answer 3

Use gusta to precede singular items that you like and also infinitives regardless of what follows the infinitive e.g. A mi me gusta leer las novelas de amor but A mi me gustan las novelas de amor.