How to Use "Gustar" and Similar Verbs Correctly (The Ultimate Guide)

"Me gusta", "te encanta", "nos duele"... These verbs are essential in Spanish, but they are also one of the biggest sources of mistakes for English speakers. Here's the clearest and most complete guide.

Why "Gustar" is Different

In English you say "I like coffee" (subject + verb).
In Spanish you say "Me gusta el café" (the coffee is the real subject).

Basic Structure

Key Rule:

• Use gusta with singular nouns or infinitives.
• Use gustan with plural nouns.

Verbs Similar to "Gustar"

These verbs follow the same structure:

• Encantar → To love
  Example: Me encanta bailar salsa.

• Doler → To hurt
  Example: Me duele la cabeza.

• Parecer → To seem
  Example: Me parece una buena idea.

• Interesar → To interest
  Example: No me interesan los deportes.

• Faltar → To be missing / to lack
  Example: Me faltan 5 euros.

• Quedar → To fit / to have left
  Example: Me quedan dos semanas de vacaciones.

Common Mistakes

Wrong: Yo gusto el café.
Correct: Me gusta el café.

Wrong: Me gustas mucho el libro.
Correct: Me gusta mucho el libro.

Easy Trick

Always ask yourself:
What is it that pleases / hurts / interests?
That thing is the real subject → decide between gusta or gustan.

Practice "gustar" and similar verbs with hundreds of smart exercises and native audio in Bocabla →