to like
Gustar es sentir agrado o disfrute por algo o alguien.
Use 'like' to say you find something pleasant or enjoyable.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Expresses positive feelings or enjoyment.
- Used for people, things, and activities.
- Common in everyday conversation.
Summary
Use 'like' to say you find something pleasant or enjoyable.
- Expresses positive feelings or enjoyment.
- Used for people, things, and activities.
- Common in everyday conversation.
Express your preferences easily
Use 'like' to talk about what you enjoy doing or what you find pleasant. It's a simple way to share your tastes.
Avoid overusing 'like'
While common, overuse of 'like' as a filler word in speech can sound informal or hesitant. Focus on using it to express actual preference.
Sharing likes builds connection
In many English-speaking cultures, talking about things you like is a common way to find common ground and build rapport with others.
Ejemplos
4 de 4I like chocolate ice cream.
She likes to visit art museums.
Do you like my new haircut?
Many students like the new teaching method.
Familia de palabras
Truco para recordar
Think of 'like' as a green light – it means something is okay or good to go. When you see something you 'like', give it a thumbs up!
**Overview**
The word 'like' is a fundamental verb in English used to express positive feelings, preferences, or enjoyment. It's one of the first verbs learners encounter because it's so common in everyday conversation. It signifies approval, fondness, or finding something agreeable.
**Usage Patterns**
'Like' is often followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a gerund (the -ing form of a verb used as a noun). It can also be used with an infinitive (to + verb), though this is less common for expressing simple preference and more for expressing a general feeling about an action. It's a regular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle are formed by adding '-d' or '-ed'.
**Common Contexts**
You'll hear 'like' used in casual conversations about hobbies, food, movies, music, and people. For example, 'I like pizza,' 'She likes reading books,' or 'Do you like this song?'. It's also used to express that something seems appropriate or suitable, like 'This weather is like a summer day.'
**Similar Words Comparison**
While 'like' expresses general enjoyment, 'love' signifies a much stronger feeling of affection or passion. 'Enjoy' is similar but often focuses more on the pleasure derived from a specific activity at a particular time, whereas 'like' can be a more general, ongoing preference. 'Prefer' indicates a choice between two or more options.
Notas de uso
The verb 'like' is extremely common in all forms of English. It is generally neutral in terms of formality but is a staple of everyday conversation. When used with a gerund (e.g., 'liking swimming'), it refers to enjoyment of an activity. Using 'like' with an infinitive (e.g., 'like to swim') can sometimes imply a habitual action or a general preference for doing something.
Errores comunes
A common error for learners is forgetting the third-person singular '-s' in the present simple tense (e.g., saying 'He like' instead of 'He likes'). Another mistake is using 'like' with a past time reference when a past tense verb is needed (e.g., 'I like it yesterday' instead of 'I liked it yesterday').
Truco para recordar
Think of 'like' as a green light – it means something is okay or good to go. When you see something you 'like', give it a thumbs up!
Origen de la palabra
The word 'like' comes from the Old English word 'gelic', meaning 'having the same form, qualities, or character'. It evolved over centuries to its current meaning of finding something agreeable.
Contexto cultural
In many cultures, expressing what you 'like' is a basic social lubricant, helping people connect over shared interests. It's a polite way to show positive engagement and build relationships.
Ejemplos
I like chocolate ice cream.
everydayShe likes to visit art museums.
general interestDo you like my new haircut?
informalMany students like the new teaching method.
academicFamilia de palabras
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
I like it.
What do you like?
I'd like to...
Se confunde a menudo con
'Like' indicates a general preference or finding something pleasant. 'Love' suggests a much stronger emotion, like deep affection or passion, often used for people or very strong interests.
'Enjoy' usually refers to the pleasure derived from a specific activity or experience at a particular time. 'Like' can be a more general, ongoing preference.
Patrones gramaticales
Express your preferences easily
Use 'like' to talk about what you enjoy doing or what you find pleasant. It's a simple way to share your tastes.
Avoid overusing 'like'
While common, overuse of 'like' as a filler word in speech can sound informal or hesitant. Focus on using it to express actual preference.
Sharing likes builds connection
In many English-speaking cultures, talking about things you like is a common way to find common ground and build rapport with others.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
I really ___ this song!
The subject 'I' requires the base form of the verb 'like' in the present simple tense.
Select the sentence that correctly uses the word 'like'.
Which sentence is correct?
Sentence B uses the correct third-person singular form 'likes' with the gerund 'reading'. Sentence A is incorrect because 'She' needs 'likes'. Sentence C is incorrect for the same reason. Sentence D uses the present tense 'like' with a past time adverb 'yesterday'.
Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence.
Build a sentence using: 'dogs / you / do / like / ?'
This is the standard question structure in English: Auxiliary verb (Do) + Subject (you) + Main verb (like) + Object (dogs).
Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntas'Like' expresses a general positive feeling or preference. 'Love' indicates a much stronger, deeper feeling of affection or passion.
Yes, you can use 'like' with the -ing form of a verb (gerund) to talk about activities you enjoy, such as 'I like swimming'.
'Like' is generally neutral but is very common in informal and everyday spoken English. It's widely understood in all contexts.
It means you find something pleasant, agreeable, or satisfactory. You have a positive opinion about it.
Gramática relacionada
Vocabulario relacionado
Más palabras de emotions
amuse
A2To make someone laugh or smile.
anger
A2Es un sentimiento fuerte de enfado o disgusto.
crazy
B1Se dice de alguien que actúa de forma extraña, poco sensata o que ha perdido el juicio.
cry
A2Llorar es sacar lágrimas, usualmente por tristeza.
dear
A2Se usa para describir a alguien a quien aprecias mucho y por quien sientes un gran cariño.
desire
B2Tener muchas ganas de conseguir o lograr algo.
dislike
A2Sentir que algo o alguien no es de tu agrado.
dull
A2Algo que resulta aburrido o poco interesante, que no tiene emoción alguna.
feel
A1Percibir o experimentar una emoción o estado físico. Es lo que sientes por dentro en un momento determinado.
get cold feet
B1Sentir miedo o dudar de repente justo antes de hacer algo importante. Es cuando te arrepientes o pierdes el valor.
