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"Gustan" is a form of "gustar", an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to like". "Me gusta" is a form of "me gusta", a phrase which is often translated as "I like it". Learn more about the difference between "gustan" and "me gusta" below.
gustar(
goos
-
tahr
)
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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me gusta(
meh
 
goos
-
tah
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. I like it
Este es el vestido que me compré ayer. - Me gusta, te queda muy bien.This is the dress I bought yesterday. - I like it. It really suits you.
b. I like
Me gusta esta ciudad.I like this city.
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.
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
(I'm attracted to you; singular)
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. I like
Me gusta mucho pasear por la playa en invierno.I very much like to go for a walk on the beach in winter.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. like
La foto que colgué en Instagram tiene ya 245 me gusta.The photo I posted on Instagram now has 245 likes.
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