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"Encanta" is a form of "encantar", an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to love". "Me gusta" is a form of "me gusta", a phrase which is often translated as "I like it". Learn more about the difference between "encanta" and "me gusta" below.
encantar(
ehng
-
kahn
-
tahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to love
Me encanta tomarme un chocolate caliente cuando hace frío afuera.I love drinking hot chocolate when it's cold out.
¡Me encanta tu casa! ¿Tú misma la decoraste?I love your house! Did you decorate it yourself?
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
me gusta(
meh
goos
-
tah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. I like him
¿Por qué lo miras así? - Es que me gusta.Why are you looking at him like that? - Because I like him.
b. I like her
Me gusta, es guapa, inteligente y simpática.I like her. She's beautiful, clever, and nice.
c. I like
Me gusta tu hermano, pero no se lo digas, por favor.I like your brother, but don't tell him, please.
3. (formal) (I'm attracted to you; singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. I like you
Usted sabe que me gusta, ¿verdad? Hace tiempo que no me sentía tan atraído por nadie.You know I like you, don't you? It's been a long time since I felt so attracted to anyone.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. like
La foto que colgué en Instagram tiene ya 245 me gusta.The photo I posted on Instagram now has 245 likes.
