In Spanish, gustar and encantar work differently than English "to like" and "to love" because they focus on what pleases or delights you. This guide shows how to use them naturally with examples.
Gustar
Use gustar to say that something pleases you. The thing you like appears as the subject and you are an indirect object. This structure highlights the thing, not the person’s feeling.
Gustar Example
I don't like bitter coffee.
Gustar More Examples
Gustar Sentence Structure
Encantar
Use encantar to express strong liking or love for something. It works like gustar but signals greater enthusiasm. You can use it for things, activities, and sometimes people.
Encantar Example
Encantar More Examples
Encantar Sentence Structure
Other Verbs Like Gustar
Spanish has many verbs that follow the same indirect-object pattern to show different reactions, such as interesar, importar, molestar, and fascinar. Learn them to give more precise opinions.
Other Verbs Examples
Other Verbs Sentence Structure
Summary
Remember that gustar and encantar focus on what delights you and require indirect object pronouns. Use gustar for general liking and encantar for strong love. Practice with things you enjoy to make the pattern natural.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025