Es importante que nos guste

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 27 views

Understanding the Verb "gustar(se)"

The verb "gustar(se)" is a complex and irregular verb in Spanish, which can be both intransitive and reflexive. It is used to express the idea of liking or enjoying something. However, its conjugation can be confusing, especially for non-native speakers. In this article, we will explore the correct form of "gustar(se)" and provide examples to help you understand its usage.

The Correct Form of "gustar(se)"

The correct form of "gustar(se)" depends on the subject of the sentence. If the subject is a person or a group of people, the verb "gustar" is used in the third person singular form, which is "le gusta" or "le gustan" (to him/her/it likes) or "nos gusta" (to us likes). However, if the subject is a thing or an object, the verb "gustar" is used in the third person singular form, which is "le gusta" or "le gustan" (to him/her/it likes).

Option A: "nos gusta"

Option A, "nos gusta," is the correct form of "gustar(se)" when the subject is a group of people. This sentence means "we like it." For example:

Ese restaurante nos gusta (That restaurant likes us, or we like that restaurant).
Ese libro nos gusta (That book likes us, or we like that book).

Option B: "nos gustamos"

Option B, "nos gustamos," is not the correct form of "gustar(se)." This sentence is in the reflexive form of the verb "gustar," which means "we like ourselves." However, this is not the correct form when the subject is a group of people.

Option C: "nos gustaría"

Option C, "nos gustaría," is the correct form of "gustar(se)" when the subject is a group of people and the sentence is in the conditional mood. This sentence means "we would like it." For example:

Ese restaurante nos gustaría visitar (That restaurant would like us to visit, or we would like to visit that restaurant).
Ese libro nos gustaría leer (That book would like us to read, or we would like to read that book).

Option D: "nos gustábamos"

Option D, "nos gustábamos," is not the correct form of "gustar(se)." This sentence is in the preterite tense of the verb "gustar," which means "we used to like." However, this is not the correct form when the subject is a group of people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct form of "gustar(se)" depends on the subject of the sentence and the tense or mood of the verb. When the subject is a group of people, the correct form is "nos gusta" (we like it) or "nos gustaría" (we would like it). Remember to use the correct form of "gustar(se)" to express your ideas clearly and accurately in Spanish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the reflexive form "nos gustamos" instead of "nos gusta" or "nos gustaría."
Using the preterite tense "nos gustábamos" instead of "nos gusta" or "nos gustaría."
Using the verb "gustar" in the third person singular form "le gusta" or "le gustan" with a group of people as the subject.

Practice Exercises

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of "gustar(se)":

Ese restaurante nos _______ (That restaurant likes us, or we like that restaurant).
Ese libro nos _______ (That book likes us, or we like that book).

Use the correct form of "gustar(se)" to express the following ideas:

We would like to visit that restaurant.
We would like to read that book.

Answer Key

nos gusta
nos gustaría

Additional Resources

Spanish grammar books and online resources.
Language exchange websites and apps.
Spanish language courses and tutors.

Q: What is the difference between "gustar" and "gustar(se)"?

A: "Gustar" is a verb that means "to like" or "to enjoy," while "gustar(se)" is a complex and irregular verb that can be both intransitive and reflexive. "Gustar(se)" is used to express the idea of liking or enjoying something, while "gustar" is used to express the idea of liking or enjoying an activity or a situation.

Q: How do I conjugate "gustar(se)" in the present tense?

A: The conjugation of "gustar(se)" in the present tense is as follows:

Yo me gusta (I like myself)
Tú te gustas (You like yourself)
Él/ella/usted se gusta (He/she/you like himself/herself)
Nosotros/as nos gustamos (We like ourselves)
Vosotros/as os gustáis (You all like yourselves)
Ellos/as se gustan (They like themselves)

Q: How do I conjugate "gustar(se)" in the preterite tense?

A: The conjugation of "gustar(se)" in the preterite tense is as follows:

Yo me gusté (I liked myself)
Tú te gustaste (You liked yourself)
Él/ella/usted se gustó (He/she/you liked himself/herself)
Nosotros/as nos gustamos (We liked ourselves)
Vosotros/as os gustasteis (You all liked yourselves)
Ellos/as se gustaron (They liked themselves)

Q: How do I conjugate "gustar(se)" in the conditional mood?

A: The conjugation of "gustar(se)" in the conditional mood is as follows:

Yo me gustaría (I would like myself)
Tú te gustarías (You would like yourself)
Él/ella/usted se gustaría (He/she/you would like himself/herself)
Nosotros/as nos gustaríamos (We would like ourselves)
Vosotros/as os gustaríais (You all would like yourselves)
Ellos/as se gustarían (They would like themselves)

Q: Can I use "gustar" instead of "gustar(se)"?

A: No, you cannot use "gustar" instead of "gustar(se)" in all cases. "Gustar" is used to express the idea of liking or enjoying an activity or a situation, while "gustar(se)" is used to express the idea of liking or enjoying something. For example:

Me gusta leer (I like to read)
Me gusta el libro (I like the book)

Q: Can I use "gustar(se)" with a group of people as the subject?

A: Yes, you can use "gustar(se)" with a group of people as the subject. For example:

Nos gusta el restaurante (We like the restaurant)
Nos gustaría visitar el museo (We would like to visit the museum)

Q: Can I use "gustar(se)" with a thing or an object as the subject?

A: Yes, you can use "gustar(se)" with a thing or an object as the subject. For example:

Me gusta la casa (I like the house)
Me gusta el coche (I like the car)

Q: Can I use "gustar(se)" in the imperative mood?

A: Yes, you can use "gustar(se)" in the imperative mood. For example:

Gustémonos (Let's like ourselves)
Gustémonos a nosotros (Let's like ourselves)

Q: Can I use "gustar(se)" in the subjunctive mood?

A: Yes, you can use "gustar(se)" in the subjunctive mood. For example:

Es importante que nos guste (It is important that we like)
Es importante que nos gustemos (It is important that we like ourselves)

By following these guidelines and examples, you will be able to use "gustar(se)" correctly in Spanish and express your ideas clearly and accurately. Remember to practice regularly and seek help when needed to improve your language skills.