What is the Difference Between 'To Like' and 'To Please' in Spanish?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the semantic difference between the Spanish verb "gustar," which translates to "to please," and the English phrase "to like." Participants emphasize that in Spanish, the subject experiences pleasure from the object, contrasting with the English active construction where the subject performs the liking. This distinction highlights the passive nature of "gustar," where the object (e.g., chocolate) is the one that acts upon the subject. Understanding this difference is crucial for mastering Spanish sentence structure and semantics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic Spanish grammar and sentence structure
  • Familiarity with semantic concepts in language
  • Knowledge of English-Spanish translation nuances
  • Awareness of subject-object relationships in sentences
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the use of "gustar" in various sentence constructions in Spanish
  • Explore other Spanish verbs that follow similar passive constructions
  • Study semantic roles in linguistics to deepen understanding of subject-object dynamics
  • Practice translating sentences that utilize "gustar" to reinforce comprehension
USEFUL FOR

Language learners, Spanish teachers, linguists, and anyone interested in the nuances of Spanish semantics and grammar.

Imparcticle
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According to my Spanish book, "Gustar" is defined as "to like". According to my spanish teacher, "Gustar" should be defined as "To please". According to the dictionary, both "to like" and "to please" are essentially analogous. I pointed this out to him (my Spanish teacher), and he said they are different. I respect my teacher; he is very talented in semantics and philosophy. I would like to see the error I have made in my analysis. Can someone please point it out to me?
 
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i am thinking this is more of a homework question then a philosophy question?
 
Think of the difference between "I like chocolate" and "Chocolate pleases me."

They're close -- either way I end up fat & happy. But in the first case, I'm the active one, I'm "doing" the liking. The chocolate just lies there waiting for me. In the second case it's the chocolate that's active. I just lie there and the chocolate does it's thing.

You can replace the chocolate with whatever pleases you. :wink:

Mmm...
 
And "gustar" is the second one.

cookiemonster
 
It just happens that in spanish, you don't like things -- things please you. Deal with it.

- Warren
 
gnome said:
Think of the difference between "I like chocolate" and "Chocolate pleases me."

They're close -- either way I end up fat & happy. But in the first case, I'm the active one, I'm "doing" the liking. The chocolate just lies there waiting for me. In the second case it's the chocolate that's active. I just lie there and the chocolate does it's thing.

You can replace the chocolate with whatever pleases you. :wink:

Mmm...

Oh, I see now. Thank you. Very cool, I must say.
 

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