Inklingo
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gusto

/goos-toh/

pleasure

A cartoon figure smiling broadly and raising their arms in a gesture of pure joy and delight, standing on a sunny hill.

Gusto means pleasure or delight, often used when expressing willingness or happiness to meet someone.

gusto(Noun)

mA1

pleasure

?

enjoyment or delight

Also:

liking

?

a feeling of enjoyment

📝 In Action

Mucho gusto en conocerte.

A1

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Lo hice con mucho gusto.

A2

I did it with great pleasure.

¿Te ayudo con las bolsas? — ¡Claro, con gusto!

B1

Should I help you with the bags? — Of course, with pleasure!

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • placer (pleasure)
  • agrado (delight, pleasure)

Common Collocations

  • con gusto – with pleasure, gladly
  • dar gusto – to give pleasure, to be pleasing
  • a gusto – at ease, comfortable

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar a gusto – To feel comfortable, content, or at ease in a place or situation.

⭐ Usage Tips

Your Go-To Polite Phrase

When you meet someone new, saying 'Mucho gusto' is the standard, friendly way to say 'Nice to meet you.' It's a must-know phrase you'll use all the time.

Saying 'You're Welcome'

You can use 'Con gusto' as a warm and friendly way to say 'You're welcome' or 'My pleasure' when someone thanks you for doing something.

A close-up view of a simplified tongue tasting a single, bright red strawberry, emphasizing the sensory experience of flavor.

Gusto refers to the sense of taste or a specific flavor.

gusto(Noun)

mA2

taste

?

the sense of taste or a specific flavor

Also:

flavor

?

the particular taste of a food or drink

📝 In Action

La sopa tiene un gusto a ajo.

A2

The soup has a garlic taste.

El sentido del gusto nos permite disfrutar la comida.

B1

The sense of taste allows us to enjoy food.

Este queso deja un gusto amargo en la boca.

B1

This cheese leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sabor (flavor)

Common Collocations

  • el sentido del gusto – the sense of taste
  • tener gusto a algo – to taste like something
  • un gusto adquirido – an acquired taste

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gusto vs. Sabor

Mistake: "Using 'gusto' when 'sabor' is more natural for a specific flavor."

Correction: While often interchangeable, 'sabor' is more common for the specific flavor of food ('sabor a fresa'). 'Gusto' can mean flavor too, but it's also used for the general sense of taste.

⭐ Usage Tips

Talking About Senses

When you list the five senses, you'll always use 'el gusto' for taste, alongside 'la vista' (sight), 'el oído' (hearing), 'el olfato' (smell), and 'el tacto' (touch).

A stylized figure considering two distinct design choices, selecting the elegant and well-proportioned option, symbolizing good taste.

Gusto can also mean personal preference, style, or 'taste' in an aesthetic sense.

gusto(Noun)

mB1

taste

?

personal preference or style

Also:

preference

?

what someone likes

,

style

?

a way of doing things

📝 In Action

Mi hermana tiene muy buen gusto para la decoración.

B1

My sister has very good taste in decoration.

Hay libros para todos los gustos.

B1

There are books for all tastes.

Ese tipo de película no es de mi gusto.

B2

That type of movie is not to my taste.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • preferencia (preference)
  • estilo (style)

Antonyms

  • mal gusto (bad taste)

Common Collocations

  • buen gusto / mal gusto – good taste / bad taste
  • cuestión de gustos – a matter of taste
  • para gustos, los colores – to each their own (literally, for tastes, the colors)

⭐ Usage Tips

Expressing Opinions

Use 'buen gusto' and 'mal gusto' to talk about someone's sense of style or appropriateness. It's a great way to give compliments or express opinions about art, fashion, or behavior.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: gusto

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'gusto' to talk about someone's personal style or preference?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

gustar(to be pleasing, to like) - verb
gustoso(tasty, flavorful; willing, glad) - adjective
degustar(to taste, to savor) - verb
disgusto(annoyance, displeasure) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'gusto' and 'sabor'?

They can both mean 'flavor,' but there's a slight difference. 'Sabor' is more common for the specific flavor of a food (e.g., 'sabor a chocolate'). 'Gusto' can also mean flavor, but it's also used for the general sense of taste ('el sentido del gusto') and for pleasure ('mucho gusto'). Think of 'sabor' as 'flavor' and 'gusto' as 'taste' in all its senses.

How is the noun 'gusto' related to the verb 'gustar'?

They come from the same root! 'Gusto' is the feeling of pleasure or liking. The verb 'gustar' literally means 'to be pleasing.' That's why in Spanish you say 'Me gusta el chocolate' (Chocolate is pleasing to me) instead of 'Yo gusto el chocolate.' The noun 'gusto' is the thing that the verb 'gustar' describes.