"To like" in Spanish: gustar
In Spanish, to express like or dislike [to do/doing something] we use the verb gustar. It works differently to the way it is expressed in English.
Have a look and listen to this example:
Notice the construction in English:
Subject (I) + verb (like) + what is liked (riding a bike)
In Spanish however the order is different.
If we translate it literally we would say: Riding a bike pleases me, with riding a bike being the subject of the sentence.
We always use the singular form of verb gustar when followed by actions!
For example, this is incorrect: Me gustan bailar y cantar.
If you want to ask someone whether s/he likes doing something, just remember to add the question marks and change the intonation.
Have a look and listen to this example:
The answer can be positive or negative:
Notice how on the negative answer we have added a no at the beginning of the sentence.
Here are other negative answers as examples:
Important note:
A common error for English speakers is to use a gerund form (-ing) after gustar. Remember that in Spanish we use the infinitive (-ar/-er/-ir)
Me gusta bailando.
Me gusta bailar
I like dancing.
See also Using gustar in Spanish to say you like something
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