How Do You Say “They Like” in Spanish?
Introduction
When learning a new language like Spanish, it’s essential to understand how to express various forms of liking or preferences. In this article, we will focus on how to say “they like” in Spanish, providing you with the necessary vocabulary and grammar structures to communicate this idea effectively.
Expressing “They Like” in Spanish
To say “they like” in Spanish, you can use the following phrase:
“A ellos les gusta.”
In Spanish, the verb “gustar” is used to express liking, and it requires a specific construction that may differ from English. Let’s break down the phrase to understand its components:- “A ellos” means “to them” and indicates the third-person plural pronoun.- “Les gusta” is the conjugated form of the verb “gustar” in the third-person plural. This form is used to indicate that multiple people like something.
Understanding the Spanish Verb “Gustar”
The verb “gustar” is unique in Spanish as it functions differently from its English counterpart “to like.” In Spanish, “gustar” is used to express liking, but it is constructed in a way that emphasizes what is being liked rather than the person who likes it.Here are a few key points to understand about the verb “gustar”:
1. Indirect Object Pronouns:
In the phrase “A ellos les gusta,” the pronoun “les” serves as the indirect object pronoun, which indicates the recipient of the liking. In this case, “les” refers to “them.”
2. Singular or Plural Nouns:
The noun that follows the verb “gustar” can be either singular or plural, depending on what is being liked. If the noun is singular, you use “gusta,” and if it is plural, you use “gustan.”
3. Word Order:
In Spanish, the word order is often reversed compared to English. The noun or object that is being liked comes before the verb “gustar.” For example, “A ellos les gusta el chocolate” (They like chocolate).
Examples of Usage
Let’s look at a few examples to see how to use the phrase “A ellos les gusta” in different contexts:- Talking about their hobbies: “They like playing soccer” translates to “A ellos les gusta jugar al fútbol.”- Discussing their preferences: “They like spicy food” translates to “A ellos les gusta la comida picante.”- Describing their interests: “They like reading books” translates to “A ellos les gusta leer libros.”Remember to adjust the verb form and article based on the noun that follows “gustar.”
Conclusion
Knowing how to express liking in Spanish is essential for effective communication. In this article, we explored the phrase “A ellos les gusta” as the appropriate way to say “they like” in Spanish. By understanding the structure of the verb “gustar” and practicing with examples, you can confidently express the preferences of others. So go ahead and use this phrase to talk about what they like in Spanish. ¡A ellos les gusta! (They like it!)
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