5 Ways To Say You Like In Spanish With Examples

If you’re a native English speaker, chances are, you say ‘like’ all the time. Whether it’s for expressing that you like something, or you’re comparing things to each other – now, that’s a different question!

This little word is no different in Spanish. Like in Spanish can be tricky because it has different translations depending on the context.

Before we explain everything, let’s check out this great video by Spring Spanish about when NOT to use gustar in Spanish:

In this post, we’ll give you 5 examples on how you can use like in Spanish – for different things!

1. Gustar (to be pleasing to) – When you like something

“Gustar” is the go-to verb for expressing likes and preferences in Spanish.

It’s used differently from English, with the liked thing becoming the subject of the sentence.

This structure is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations:

Carlos: ¿Te gusta bailar? (Do you like dancing?)
Ana: Sí, me encanta. ¿Y a ti? (Yes, I love it. And you?)
Carlos: A mí también me gusta mucho (I like it a lot too)

2. Como (like, as) – Make comparisons in Spanish

“Como” is used to make comparisons, similar to “like” or “as” in English. It’s a good word that works in various contexts.

This usage is neutral and fits both formal and informal situations.

Luisa: ¿Cómo está tu nuevo jefe? (How’s your new boss?)
Pedro: Es estricto como un sargento (He’s as strict as a sergeant)

3. Parecer (to seem, to appear) – Describe opinions in Spanish

“Parecer” is used when something seems or appears to be a certain way. It’s great for expressing opinions or impressions.

This expression is neutral and works well in most contexts.

Elena: ¿Qué opinas del nuevo restaurante? (What do you think of the new restaurant?)
Diego: Me parece excelente (It seems excellent to me)

4. Querer (to like, to be fond of) – Show affection in Spanish

While “querer” primarily means “to want,” it’s also used to express fondness or affection, especially among friends and family.

This usage is more informal and personal.

Marta: Gracias por tu ayuda, eres un gran amigo (Thanks for your help, you’re a great friend) Javier: De nada. Sabes que te quiero (You’re welcome. You know I’m fond of you)

5. Tal como/Así como (such as, like) – Give examples with like in Spanish

These phrases are used when providing examples, similar to “such as” or “like” in English.

These expressions are neutral and can be used in different situations, too.

María: ¿Qué música te gusta? (What music do you like?)
Carlos: Me encanta la música latina, tal como la salsa y el reggaetón. ¿Y tú? (I love Latin music, such as salsa and reggaeton. And you?)
María: Escucho artistas de varios países, así como Colombia y España. (I listen to artists from various countries, such as Colombia and Spain.)

Practice the different expressions of like in Spanish

Fill in the blanks with the correct words!

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Learn more examples and Spanish filler words with Conversation Based Chunking

Mastering these different uses of like in Spanish becomes easier with the Conversation Based Chunking method.

This approach focuses on learning common phrases and expressions as whole units, rather than individual words. By practicing these chunks in context, you’ll naturally start to use them correctly in your own conversations.

Like (pun intended) instead of memorizing “gustar” as a standalone verb, you learn phrases like “Me gusta” (I like) or “Le gusta” (He/She likes) as complete units, or you check out the video from Spring Spanish, and learn when not to use ‘gustar‘.

This way, you’re not just learning vocabulary, but also how to use it naturally in Spanish sentences.

And to help you along the way, you can get a FREE Spanish Chunking Starter Pack immediately!