Meaning
Used to express dislike or disinterest.
Cultural Background
In Spain, being direct is often seen as being honest. Saying 'No me gusta' is common and not usually offensive. Mexicans often use 'No me late' or 'No me convence' to sound less harsh than a direct 'No me gusta'. Argentines might use 'No me va' or 'No me cierra' to express that something doesn't quite fit their taste. Politeness is highly valued; people might say 'No me gusta tanto' (I don't like it that much) even if they hate it.
The Plural Trap
Always check if the thing you dislike is plural. If it is, you MUST use 'gustan'.
Softening the Blow
Add 'mucho' (No me gusta mucho) to sound more polite when declining something.
Meaning
Used to express dislike or disinterest.
The Plural Trap
Always check if the thing you dislike is plural. If it is, you MUST use 'gustan'.
Softening the Blow
Add 'mucho' (No me gusta mucho) to sound more polite when declining something.
People vs. Things
Be careful using 'No me gustas' with people; it's almost always interpreted as a romantic rejection.
Emphasis
Use 'A mí no me gusta' if you want to contrast your opinion with someone else's.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb for the plural object.
No me _______ las películas de terror.
'Las películas' is plural, so the verb must be 'gustan'.
Fill in the missing pronoun for 'He doesn't like'.
A él no ___ gusta {el|m} fútbol.
'Le' is the indirect object pronoun for 'he/she/it'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Ana: ¿Quieres pizza? Juan: No, gracias. _________ {la|f} pizza.
Juan is expressing a dislike for a singular noun (pizza).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a concert and the music is too loud and bad.
The context is a concert, so 'música' is the correct object.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Singular vs. Plural
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo me _______ las películas de terror.
'Las películas' is plural, so the verb must be 'gustan'.
A él no ___ gusta {el|m} fútbol.
'Le' is the indirect object pronoun for 'he/she/it'.
Ana: ¿Quieres pizza? Juan: No, gracias. _________ {la|f} pizza.
Juan is expressing a dislike for a singular noun (pizza).
You are at a concert and the music is too loud and bad.
The context is a concert, so 'música' is the correct object.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, this is grammatically incorrect in Spanish. The thing you dislike must be the subject.
'No me gusta' is a lack of liking. 'Me disgusta' is an active feeling of being upset or annoyed.
If 'them' refers to objects, say 'No me gustan'. If it refers to people you aren't attracted to, say 'No me gustan'.
It depends on the tone and culture. In Spain, it's neutral. In Latin America, it can be a bit direct.
Use the preterite: 'No me gustó'.
It's a very common slang way to say 'I don't like it' in Spain.
Yes! Just use the infinitive verb: 'No me gusta correr'.
Because 'me' is an indirect object pronoun meaning 'to me'. The thing pleases 'to me'.
Add 'nada' at the end: 'No me gusta nada'.
Usually, it's just 'Me gusta' (Like). There is rarely a literal 'No me gusta' button.
Related Phrases
No me agrada
synonymIt doesn't please me
Me disgusta
similarIt upsets/disgusts me
No lo soporto
builds onI can't stand it
No me mola
specialized formI don't dig it
