"gustar" and similar

Question

¡Hola! I have recently moved to Spain and have been learning Spanish since I arrived 8 months ago.

I have many questions! but one at a time

The verb "gustar" confused me for some time. I was trying to understand why one would say "te quiero" and "te llamo", but say "me gustas". The phrases with "gustar" seemed upside down.

But then, I read that "gustar" should be read as "to please" and so therefore "me gustas" means "you please me".

So, two questions follow:

1. is my understanding correct and helpful?
2. what other verbs follow this unusual form'

Answer 1

In China don't even say "I love you" at the Altar getting married. People will think you are crazy and will look at you funny.

As far as I know, romantic love is a Christian concept. It probably exists in non-Christian societies but it does not seem to be encouraged or even appreciated.

Answer 2

I hear you about how gustar seeming backwards. I just got to that lesson (from this site), and I am still trying to keep in straight for me.

Answer 3

In China don't even say "I love you" at the Altar getting married. People will think you are crazy and will look at you funny.

OK, now I am curious, why? Is it a culture thing'

Answer 4

On a side note, be careful with the "te amo" because "amar" is not like "love" in English - it is much stronger. In English you can say "I love ice cream", in Spanish "yo amo helados" would sound ridiculous.

On the other hand, in Spanish-speaking countries it's very common for women to call strangers "mi amor". Go figure...

Answer 5

Some other verbs in English that follow this "unusual" pattern are:

amaze, disgust, astonish, impress, repel, nauseate, sicken, delight, enchant, overwhelm, confuse, baffle, puzzle, inspire, uplift, frighten, scare, embarrass, et al.

Thanks for that! can I trouble you for the spanish aswell? perhaps listed in columns like this:

to please gustar

THANKS

Answer 6

Some other verbs in English that follow this "unusual" pattern are:
amaze, disgust, astonish, impress, repel, nauseate, sicken, delight, enchant, overwhelm, confuse, baffle, puzzle, inspire, uplift, frighten, scare, embarrass, et al.