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"Gustar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to like", and "fascinar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to fascinate". Learn more about the difference between "gustar" and "fascinar" below.
gustar(
goos
-
tahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to enjoy)
b. to fancy (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the 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.).
4. (to test)
5. (to desire) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
fascinar(
fah
-
see
-
nahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to charm)
a. to fascinate
Me fascinan los cuadros de Remedios Varo.I'm fascinated by Remedios Varo's paintings.
El tablet fascinó al hombre porque nunca antes había visto uno.The tablet fascinated the man because he had never seen one before.
b. to captivate
La cantante fascinó al público con su interpretación de "Gracias a la vida".The singer captivated the audience with her rendition of "Thanks to Life."
a. to love
Me fascina el café de la esquina; venden los mejores capuchinos.I love that café on the corner; they sell the best cappuccinos.
