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"Encantar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to love", and "gustar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to like". Learn more about the difference between "encantar" and "gustar" below.
encantar()
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to love
A Marcos le encanta cocinar con su abuela.Marcos loves cooking with his grandmother.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to bewitch
La bruja encantó a la princesa.The witch bewitched the princess.
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gustar()
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to like
Me gusta la comida mexicana.I like Mexican food.
b. to please
A ella le gustó ver a su hijo tan contento.She was pleased to see her son so happy.
a. to like
¿Crees que le gusto?Do you think she likes me?
b. to fancy
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
Me gusta mucho tu primo. ¿Cómo se llama?I really fancy your cousin. What's his name?
a. to be liked
Las columnas de Rita gustan mucho. Las vamos a seguir publicando.Rita's columns are liked a lot. We'll keep on publishing them.
b. to be popular
No entiendo por qué gusta tanto el vino espumante. Lo detesto.I can't understand why sparkling wine is so popular. I hate it.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to taste (food)
¿Puedes gustar esta salsa? ¿Le pongo más sal?Can you taste this sauce? Should I add more salt?
5. (to desire)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. to want
¿Gustan algo más?Do you want anything else?
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