Gustar: to like, to be pleasing
Pronunciation: goos-TAHR (stress the capital letters)
Gustar means “to like, to be pleasing” in English.
Quick answer
- Meaning: to like, to be pleasing
- How to say it: goos-TAHR
- Level: Beginner (A1)
What “gustar” means and how to use it
Gustar works backwards compared with English: the thing you like is the subject, and you are the one who receives it. “Me gusta el café” literally means “coffee is pleasing to me.”
Useful forms of “gustar”
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| me gusta | I like it (one thing) |
| me gustan | I like them (more than one thing) |
| te gusta | you like it |
| le gusta | he, she, or you (formal) like it |
| nos gusta | we like it |
| me gustó | I liked it (past) |
Examples with audio
- Me gusta la música.I like music.
- ¿Te gustan los gatos?Do you like cats?
- A mis padres les gusta viajar.My parents like to travel.
Usage tip
Use “gusta” with one thing or an infinitive, and “gustan” with several things: me gusta bailar, me gustan las flores. Add “a mí, a ti, a él” only for emphasis.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “to like, to be pleasing” in Spanish?
“to like, to be pleasing” in Spanish is “gustar.” It is pronounced goos-TAHR, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.
How do you pronounce “gustar”?
Say goos-TAHR. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.
Practice “gustar” for free
Reading helps, but practice makes it stick. Try short exercises with instant feedback.
Practice Spanish for free with Leo Read the lesson: Me Gusta vs. Me Gustan: How to Use Gustar