amo a los animales or amo los animales

Question

Hello everyone.

I encountered this phase "Amo los animales" but in other places it says "Amo a los animales".

When I google them, both seem to appear in everyday usage. Could anyone explain which is right?

Welcome to SpanishDict. - rac1, Dec 29, 2016

Can you provide more content? - rac1, Dec 29, 2016

I got this upon doing a search: a los animales but wait for further input. - rac1, Dec 29, 2016

It was one of the "useful phrases" that I was learning, which just consists of individual sentences. It was just supposed to mean "I love animals." - ilnegozio, Dec 29, 2016

Ok, that helps. You can also say: Me encantan los animales. - rac1, Dec 29, 2016

Thank you rac1 !! - ilnegozio, Dec 29, 2016

I'm with Rac1 on this one. - Daniela2041, Dec 29, 2016

Muchas gracias, Dani. :) - rac1, Dec 29, 2016

Answer 1

I would use encantar. The verb "amar" is used in cases in which a person loves another. A less personal love such as when describing a group of things/people calls for "encantar".

Here are some examples of its usage. "Me encantan las bellas artes" "Me encantan los animales" "Me encanta Beato Angélico O.P." (an Italian artist) This word means that one VERY much likes something/someone and conjugates the same way as "gustar" .

Thanks so much !! - ilnegozio, Dec 30, 2016

De nada! - NuncaSeSabe, Dec 30, 2016

Answer 2

Hello

I don't know the correct answer, but would also like to know.

I too did a Google search, if I had to place a bet mine would be on "amo a los animales".

Another option might possibly be "me gustan los animales" or "me encantan los animales"

¡Qué tengas un buen día!

Welcome to SpanishDict. - rac1, Dec 29, 2016

Thanks for answering, given that this in itself is not too important, I will just stick with "amo a los animales" as you say. - ilnegozio, Dec 29, 2016

The verb "amar" is usually restricted to one's feelings for family or spouse. English speakers use "love" inappropriately by Spanish standards. There are some Spanish/English bilinguals who are beginning to do this. - Daniela2041, Dec 29, 2016

Thanks so much Daniela!! - ilnegozio, Dec 30, 2016