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How to Say "liking" in Spanish

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agrado

ah-GRAH-dohaˈɣɾaðo

nounB1formal
Use 'agrado' when referring to a personal preference or taste, often in a more formal or polite context, such as expressing hope that something meets someone's approval.
A child smiling widely while eating a bright red apple.

Examples

Espero que la cena sea de su agrado.

I hope the dinner is to your liking.

Aceptó nuestra invitación con mucho agrado.

He accepted our invitation with great pleasure.

Ese tipo de música no es de mi agrado.

That type of music is not to my taste.

Using 'Agrado' to be Polite

Using 'ser de mi agrado' is a more elegant and formal way to say 'me gusta' (I like).

Possessive Words with Agrado

You usually put a possessive word (like mi, tu, su) before it when saying something is 'to your liking': 'su agrado'.

Agrado vs. Agradable

Mistake: “La comida es de mucho agrado.”

Correction: La comida es muy agradable (adjective) OR La comida es de mi agrado (noun). Use 'agrado' as a thing/noun, and 'agradable' to describe something.

gusto

goos-toh'gus.to

nounA1
Use 'gusto' to express a general feeling of enjoyment, pleasure, or satisfaction, particularly in common greetings or when stating you enjoy something.
A cartoon figure smiling broadly and raising their arms in a gesture of pure joy and delight, standing on a sunny hill.

Examples

Mucho gusto en conocerte.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Lo hice con mucho gusto.

I did it with great pleasure.

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

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

Choosing between 'agrado' and 'gusto'

Learners often confuse 'agrado' and 'gusto' because both relate to liking. Remember that 'agrado' is more about approval or fitting someone's specific taste, while 'gusto' is about general pleasure or enjoyment, often in greetings.

Related Translations

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