guste
/goos-teh/
may like
When expressing desire or doubt about someone's enjoyment, we use 'guste' (may like).
guste(Verb)
may like
?Expressing desire or doubt
,might be pleasing
?Hypothetical scenario
likes (subjunctive form)
?Used after verbs of emotion/influence
📝 In Action
Espero que te guste el regalo.
A2I hope you like the gift.
No creo que le guste mi idea.
B1I don't think he/she likes my idea.
Quiero que me guste el nuevo trabajo.
B1I want to like the new job.
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Trigger
This form ('guste') is mandatory when the main part of the sentence expresses desire, emotion, doubt, or denial about the liking.
Reverse Structure
Remember that gustar works backward: the thing being liked is the one doing the action (the subject), not the person who likes it. 'Me gusta' literally means 'It is pleasing to me.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Gusta' instead of 'Guste'
Mistake: "No creo que me gusta la película."
Correction: No creo que me guste la película. (When expressing doubt or disbelief, Spanish requires the special verb form, 'guste').
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Que'
In most cases, you will see 'guste' immediately following the conjunction 'que' (that), linking the main verb (like 'hope' or 'doubt') to the action of liking.
As a polite command, 'guste' means 'enjoy it.' (Used with 'usted').
guste(Verb)
enjoy it
?Polite command (usted)
,like it
?Formal instruction
find it pleasing
?Formal phrasing
📝 In Action
Pruébelo, señor. ¡Que le guste!
B1Try it, sir. May you enjoy it!
Si no le gusta el diseño, no lo guste.
B2If you don't like the design, don't like it (don't approve of it).
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Usted' Command
This form uses the same spelling as the subjunctive form, which is typical for all 'usted' (formal you) commands in Spanish. It's a polite instruction.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Informal Command
Mistake: "Señora, ¡gusta la comida!"
Correction: Señora, ¡guste la comida! (When speaking formally, you must use the -e ending for -ar verbs).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: guste
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'guste' to express an emotion or desire?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'guste' sound like 'gusta' but mean something different?
'Gusta' is the standard form used for facts ('He likes it'). 'Guste' is a special form (called the subjunctive) used when you are talking about wishes, doubts, or emotions related to someone liking something. They share the same base but are used for different mental states.
Can I use 'guste' when speaking informally to a friend?
Yes, but only in the context of the subjunctive (expressing wishes or doubts, like 'Espero que te guste'). You would not use 'guste' as a direct command to a friend; for that, you use the informal command 'gusta' (e.g., '¡Gusta la comida!').