Forgetting the Indirect Pronoun

Using the Wrong Past Tense

In Spanish, the verb 'gustar' literally means 'to be pleasing.' The thing being liked (e.g., 'dinosaurs') is the one doing the action, so you need the little word ('les' or 'me') to show who is receiving the pleasure.

The 'Backwards' Verb

Since 'gustaban' ends in -an, it means the thing or things being liked are plural (e.g., 'the toys' or 'the movies'). If it were a singular thing, you would use 'gustaba'.

Plural Subject Rule

This form tells us about something that happened repeatedly, continuously, or generally in the past, like a past preference ('They used to like') or a description ('The flowers were pleasing').

Imperfect Tense (Habitual Past)

If you are unsure whether to use 'gustaba' or 'gustaban,' try translating the sentence literally: If the things being liked 'were pleasing' (plural), use 'gustaban'.

Substitute 'Were Pleasing'

Extremely common. This is the imperfect past tense of 'gustar' (to like/to be pleasing) when talking about multiple things or actions that were liked habitually or continuously.

'Gustaban' is the third-person plural imperfect past tense of 'gustar' (to like). Learn how to use this common verb form to describe habitual or continuous preferences in the past, such as 'they used to like,' using the tricky 'backwards' Spanish structure.

gustaban

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

preterite

future

present

conditional

imperfect

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

negative

affirmative

Practice Conjugations