In English, the equivalent is “to like” El Verbo “GUSTAR” En español gustar significa “to be pleasing” In English, the equivalent is “to like”
Por ejemplo: -In English we say: “I like to dance.” -En español we say: A mí, me gusta bailar. *Which literally means in Spanish: “To me, dancing is pleasing.” However, in English, that sounds funny, so the translation is, “I like to dance.”
What does “A mí” mean??? The 2 words, “A mí” are optional to use before “me gusta”. They are just making it clear that you are talking about yourself! Both are correct and the same: Me gusta cantar (I like to sing). A mí, me gusta cantar (I like to sing).
Let’s see if you’re getting it… Translate this sentence: I like to draw. You’re right!!! Me gusta dibujar. OR A mí me gusta dibujar.
What if I REALLY like to do something??? (A mí) me gusta mucho nadar. Which means…I really like to swim! What if I REALLY like to do more than one thing??? (A mí) me gusta mucho nadar y montar en bicicleta.
What if I DON’T like to do something??? Then you will say… No, no me gusta trabajar. (No, I don’t like to work) *Remember the first “no” before the comma literally means “no”, but the “no” that comes before “me” is absolutely necessary to make the sentence negative!
Let’s try it… Translate: No,I don’t like to play sports. No, (a mí) no me gusta practicar deportes. I don’t like to play sports. (A mí) no me gusta practicar deportes.
What if I REALLY don’t like something??? You would say: (A mí) no me gusta nada escuchar música. Which means…I really don’t like to listen to music. OR I don’t like to listen to music at all.
What If I don’t like to do more than one thing??? No me gusta ni cantar ni bailar. I don’t like to sing or dance. OR I don’t like either singing or dancing.
Now…How do I ask someone what they like to do??? ¿Qué te gusta hacer? What do you like to do? Or to be more specific… ¿(A ti) te gusta patinar? Do you like to skate?
What if I like to do something more than something else… ¿Qué te gusta más? What do you like more/better. Respuesta: (A mí) me gusta más bailar. I like to dance more./I prefer to dance.
What if I want to ask in return what the other person likes??? Person A: ¿Qué te gusta hacer? (What do you like to do?) Person B: (A mí) me gusta esquiar.(I like to ski.) ¿Y a ti? (And you?)
What if I agree to a positive statement???… A mí también. ( I do too).
What if I agree to a negative statement??? A mí tampoco. (I don’t (like it) either).
Other useful words… O = or Pues = well… Sí = yes También = Also, too