Verbs That Work Like

Think of these verbs as "backwards" verbs. In a standard sentence like "I eat bread," the structure is Subject + Verb + Object. With gustar and its friends, the structure flips. It becomes Indirect Object + Verb + Subject. The thing you are talking about is actually the subject. This means the verb must match that thing, not you. If you like one book, the verb is singular. If you like two books, the verb becomes plural. You are just the person receiving the feeling. You are the destination for the emotion. Imagine a tennis ball labeled "pleasure" being hit toward you. The ball (the object) is the one moving. You are just standing there catching it. This is why we use indirect object pronouns like me, te, and le. They show who the action is directed toward. It’s like a grammar traffic light. The light tells the action where to go.

1. 1To build these sentences, follow these three simple steps:
2. 2Start with an optional clarifier: Use A + a name or pronoun (like A María or A mí). This adds emphasis or clears up who you are talking about.
3. 3Add the Indirect Object Pronoun: This is mandatory. Use me (me), te (you), le (him/her/you formal), nos (us), os (you all), or les (them/you all).
4. 4Use the Verb: Most of the time, you only need two forms. Use the third-person singular (e.g., gusta) for one thing or an action. Use the third-person plural (e.g., gustan) for multiple things.
5. 5End with the Subject: This is the thing or person that triggers the feeling.
6. 6Example: A mí (Clarifier) + me (Pronoun) + encantan (Verb) + los tacos (Subject).

You will use this pattern constantly in daily life. Use it when ordering food to say what you like. Use it when shopping to say if the clothes te quedan (fit you) well. It’s perfect for job interviews when you say me interesa (I am interested in) the position. You’ll also need it at the doctor’s office. Instead of saying "I have a headache," you say me duele la cabeza (the head hurts me). It’s great for expressing opinions about movies, hobbies, or even people. If you find someone annoying, you might say me molesta (it bothers me). It’s the primary way to express your internal state regarding external things. Whether you are falling in love or just hate broccoli, this is your go-to structure.

Don't use this for every verb! Most Spanish verbs work just like English. If you are performing a physical action, like correr (to run) or beber (to drink), use the normal pattern. You wouldn't say me corre unless the road was somehow running you (which would be terrifying). Also, avoid using this when you want to say you "love" someone romantically in a deep way; use amar or querer for that. Encantar is for things or activities you love, like chocolate or dancing. Finally, don't use it when the object isn't the cause of the feeling. If you are actively looking for something, use buscar. If the thing is just missing, then you can use me falta.

The biggest trap is using yo. You will want to say Yo gusto la pizza. Stop right there! Your brain is trying to translate English word-for-word. Remember, yo is a subject pronoun, but here you need the indirect object me. Another classic mistake is forgetting to pluralize the verb. If you like las manzanas (apples), you must say me gustan. If you say me gusta las manzanas, it sounds like saying "The apples pleases me" in English. It’s a small detail, but native speakers will notice. Also, watch out for the le and les pronouns. Since le can mean him, her, or you (formal), it can be confusing. Always add the A + name part if you need to be specific. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes when they are in a hurry, so don't beat yourself up!

In English, we say "I am interested in art." The focus is on "I." In Spanish, Me interesa el arte puts the focus on the art. It’s as if the art has a magnetic power drawing your attention. Think of it like a physical sensation. If a bee stings you, you don't "sting the bee." The bee stings you. In Spanish, the pizza "likes" you back by being pleasing. This is similar to the English phrase "It matters to me." You don't "matter the issue"; the issue "matters to you." If you can remember that "it matters to me" structure, you’ve basically mastered the logic of gustar.