The verbs gustar, aburrir, and interesar

1. The verbs gustar, aburrir, and interesar

2. The verb “gustar” is a special verb in Spanish. It is the equivalent of saying “to like”. In Spanish, you don’t really say “to like”, but rather something “pleases” you. Observe: Me gusta pizza. I like pizza./Pizza pleases me. Me gustan libros. I like books./Books please me. Although this concept may be somewhat confusing, it is easier if you read it backwards. Read the sentences backwards – “Pizza pleases me” and “Books please me.” The verbs “aburrir” and “interesar” work the same way as “gustar”.

3. Let’s do some examples. Try to figure out if you use the singular form of “gustar” or the plural form. The answer will appear after 10 seconds. Me manzanas. gustan Me la clase de historia. gusta Me televisión. gusta Me perros. gustan Note that when the thing you like is singular, you use “gusta”. When the thing you like is plural, you use “gustan”.

4. Read each sentence backwards and you can see when to use “gusta” (if the noun is singular) and when to use “gustan” (if the noun is plural). Me gustan manzanas. Me gusta la clase de historia. Me gusta televisión. Me gustan perros.

5. Let’s do some practice. Would you use “aburre” or “aburren” in this sentence: Me _______ español. That’s right… it’s aburre! Let’s do a few more. Would you use “interesa” or “interesan” in this sentence: Me _______ la película. That’s right… it’s interesa!

6. Would you use “gusta” or “gustan” in this sentence: Me _______ las camisas. That’s right… it’s gustan! Would you use “gusta” or “gustan” in this sentence: Me _______ muchachos. That’s right… it’s gustan!

7. Would you use “interesa” or “interesan” in this sentence: Me _______ coches rápidos. That’s right… it’s interesan! Would you use “gusta” or “gustan” in this sentence: Me _______ el profesor. That’s right… it’s gusta!

8. VOILA! See how easy that was? Now try some on your own – click the button to do a practice quiz. Practice Quiz Replay