Spanish A1 Speaking: Say What You Like and Do Not Like

Getting Started with Spanish – Your First Words

Welcome to the world of Spanish! This article is all about getting you talking. We’ll focus on simple phrases for expressing your likes and dislikes, something everyone uses every day. Don’t worry about perfect grammar; it’s much more important to be understood.

Key Vocabulary: Likes and Dislikes

Let’s learn some essential words:

• Me gusta (Meh GOOS-tah) – I like
• No me gusta (No meh GOOS-tah) – I don’t like
• Comida (koh-MEE-dah) – Food
• La música (lah moo-SEE-kah) – Music
• El deporte (el deh-POR-teh) – Sport
• ¿Qué te gusta? (Keh teh GOOS-tah?) – What do you like?
• ¿Qué no te gusta? (Keh no teh GOOS-tah?) – What don’t you like?

Real-World Situations and Dialogue Examples

Here are some common situations where you’ll use these phrases:

1. Ordering Food at a Restaurant

Waiter: ¿Qué desea ordenar? (Keh deh-SEH-ah or-den-AR?) – What would you like to order?

You: Me gusta la pizza. (Meh GOOS-tah lah PEE-thzah) – I like the pizza.

Waiter: ¿Y el postre? (Ee pos-TREH?) – And dessert?

You: No me gusta el pastel. (No meh GOOS-tah el pah-STEHL) – I don’t like the cake.

2. Talking About Your Hobbies

Friend 1: ¿Qué te gusta hacer? (Keh teh GOOS-tah HAIR?) – What do you like to do?

You: Me gusta la música y el deporte. (Meh GOOS-tah lah moo-SEE-kah ee el deh-POR-teh) – I like music and sport.

Friend 1: ¡Qué bien! (Keh BYEN!) – That’s great!

3. Making a Simple Request

Person A: ¿Te gusta el café? (Teh GOOS-tah el kah-FEH?) – Do you like coffee?

You: No, no me gusta. (No, no meh GOOS-tah) – No, I don’t like it.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Mistake: Saying “Me gusto” instead of “Me gusta”.
• Correction: Remember ‘gustar’ is for the receiver of the liking. It means ‘it pleases me’. Use “Me gusta.”
• Mistake: Forgetting to add ‘no’ before “me gusta” when saying you don’t like something.
• Correction: Always say “No me gusta…”

Practice Makes Perfect!

Start using these phrases every day, even if it’s just to yourself. Try talking to yourself in the mirror or with a friend who is learning Spanish. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become!