Learning how to say like in Spanish will help you express preferences, give examples, and sound more natural in conversations.
In Spanish, the word like can have different meanings depending on context — from expressing enjoyment (me gusta) to making comparisons (como) or giving examples (por ejemplo). Whether you’re chatting casually with friends, writing in Spanish, or learning for travel, understanding the different ways to use like will improve both your speaking and writing skills.
In this guide, you’ll discover clear explanations and examples so you can confidently use like in Spanish in the right way every time.
Like in Spanish
Let’s explore 15 different ways to say like in Spanish, with examples, cultural context, and history behind each one.
1. Gustar – To like (something or someone)
Origin:
From Latin gustare, meaning “to taste.” Used in Spanish to express enjoyment or preference.
Example:
👤 A: ¿Te gusta la música clásica?
👤 B: Sí, me gusta mucho.
Use:
To say you enjoy or like something (music, food, activities).
2. Caer bien – To like (a person’s vibe)
Origin:
Literally “to fall well,” this expression reflects whether someone makes a good impression.
Example:
👤 A: ¿Qué piensas de tu nuevo jefe?
👤 B: Me cae bien. Es muy amable.
Use:
To say you like someone (platonically/personality-wise).
3. Como – Like/as (comparison)
Origin:
“Como” is a versatile word that comes from Latin quomodo (“in what way”).
Example:
👤 A: Corre como un guepardo.
👤 B: ¡Sí! Es súper rápido.
Use:
Used for comparisons—”like a cheetah.”
4. Parecerse a – To look like/resemble
Origin:
From parecer (to seem) + reflexive, means “to resemble.”
Example:
👤 A: Te pareces a tu madre.
👤 B: Todos me lo dicen.
Use:
For physical resemblance between people or things.
5. A mí me gusta – I like (emphatic)
Origin:
Emphasized version of “me gusta,” often used for contrast or stress.
Example:
👤 A: A mí me gusta el chocolate, ¿y a ti?
👤 B: Prefiero la vainilla.
Use:
To stress your personal preference.
6. Estar como – To be like (emotional/physical state)
Origin:
Combines “estar” (to be temporarily) with “como” for expressive comparisons.
Example:
👤 A: Está como loco con ese proyecto.
👤 B: ¡Sí, no para de hablar de eso!
Use:
Used in idiomatic speech to mean “acting like” something.
7. Me encanta – I really like / I love
Origin:
From encantar, meaning “to enchant” or “delight.”
Example:
👤 A: ¿Te gusta la pizza?
👤 B: ¡Me encanta!
Use:
Stronger than “gustar”—when you really like something.
8. Me agrada – I like (formal)
Origin:
From agradar, related to “pleasing.” More polite and formal.
Example:
👤 A: Me agrada su actitud.
👤 B: Sí, es muy profesional.
Use:
Polite/formal way to say you like a person or behavior.
9. Me mola – I like (slang in Spain)
Origin:
Spanish slang, especially in Spain. Very informal.
Example:
👤 A: Esa canción me mola mucho.
👤 B: ¡A mí también!
Use:
Slang used among young people or casually in Spain.
10. Como que… – Like, um… (filler word)
Origin:
Spanish equivalent of English “like” as a filler. Used in casual speech.
Example:
👤 A: Como que no sé qué decir…
👤 B: Tómate tu tiempo.
Use:
Filler, similar to “like” in hesitant speech.
11. Querer – To like/love (especially people)
Origin:
From Latin quaerere. It can mean to love, want, or like.
Example:
👤 A: Quiero mucho a mi abuela.
👤 B: ¡Qué lindo!
Use:
Affectionate “like” or “love” toward someone close.
12. Estilo de – Like (in the style of)
Origin:
Means “style of”; used in art, music, design.
Example:
👤 A: Este cuadro es estilo de Picasso.
👤 B: ¡Sí! Colores muy vivos.
Use:
For comparisons in artistic or stylistic references.
13. Tal como – Just like / exactly like
Origin:
Literally “such as,” used for exact comparisons.
Example:
👤 A: Tal como lo dijiste, pasó.
👤 B: Te lo advertí.
Use:
To say something happened or appeared just like something else.
14. Igual que – The same as / like
Origin:
Means “equal to”—used in comparative expressions.
Example:
👤 A: Es igual que su padre.
👤 B: ¡La misma voz y todo!
Use:
Common way to say someone or something is “like” something else.
15. Similar a – Similar to / like
Origin:
From Latin similis—used to point out likeness.
Example:
👤 A: Este libro es similar a otro que leí.
👤 B: ¿Cuál era?
Use:
To say one thing is like another in nature or content.
Conclusion:
💡 Mastering how to say like in Spanish will help you speak more naturally and accurately in everyday conversations. Since like can mean different things depending on the context, knowing the correct Spanish expression will make your communication clearer and more precise.
Whether you’re sharing your interests, making comparisons, or giving examples, choosing the right phrase shows a deeper understanding of the language. By practicing these uses, you’ll not only improve your fluency but also feel more confident expressing yourself in Spanish.
