Spanish - April 23, 2023

How To Say "Like" In Spanish

If you are learning Spanish or planning to visit a Spanish-speaking country, you may want to know how to say "like" in Spanish. In this article, we will discuss the meaning of "like" in Spanish and how to translate it correctly.

Fast track your vocabulary with the 10.000 most common Spanish words!

What is "Like" in Spanish?

The word for "like" in Spanish is "como" (IPA: /ˈkomo/). This word is used in all Spanish-speaking countries, but with regional differences. In addition, there are other meanings that should be taken into account depending on the context -for example: "like" as "gustar"-.

Meaning of "Like" in Spanish

In Spanish, the word "like" can have several meanings depending on the context. Here are some of the most common uses of the word "like" in Spanish, along with their corresponding IPA transcriptions:

"Like" as a preposition meaning "como" or "igual que":

"Like" as a preposition can be translated to Spanish as "como" or "igual que", and it is used to compare two things or people that share similarities. For example:
- I like sports like basketball and soccer. (Me gustan los deportes como el baloncesto y el fútbol.)
- She's like a sister to me. (Ella es como una hermana para mí.)

IPA: /ˈko.mo/ or /i.ˈɣwal. ˈke/

"Like" as a verb meaning "gustar":

"Like" can also function as a verb in Spanish, meaning "gustar". This verb is used to express what things or activities someone enjoys or finds appealing. For example:
- I like to read. (Me gusta leer.)
- They don't like spicy food. (No les gusta la comida picante.)

IPA: /ɡus.ˈtaɾ/

"Like" as a noun meaning "me gusta" or "me agrada":

In Spanish, the word "like" can also function as a noun meaning "me gusta" or "me agrada". This usage is common on social media platforms, where people can express their appreciation for a post or a comment. For example:
- I got a lot of likes on my picture. (Obtuve muchos me gusta en mi foto.)

IPA: /me ˈɡus.ta/ or /me a.ˈɡɾa.ða/

"Like" as an interjection meaning "tipo" or "como":

Finally, the word "like" can also function as an interjection in Spanish, meaning "tipo" or "como". This usage is common among young people or those who are influenced by English-speaking cultures. For example:
- This party is, like, super boring. (Esta fiesta es, tipo, super aburrida.)

IPA: /ˈti.po/ or /ˈko.mo/

4 eBooks of the Spanish Frequency Dictionaries series by MostUsedWords

Translating "Like" to Spanish

If you want to say "like" in Spanish, use the word "como". Here are some examples of how to use "como" in Spanish sentences:

Me gusta cocinar como un chef.

(I like to cook like a chef.)

Ella habla español como un nativo.

(She speaks Spanish like a native.)

Mi hermano es alto como mi padre.

(My brother is tall like my father.)

Me gusta leer libros como Los Juegos del Hambre.

(I like to read books like The Hunger Games.)

Como no tienes dinero, no puedes comprar un coche.

(Since you don't have money, you can't buy a car.)

Regional Differences

As mentioned earlier, there are some regional differences in how the word "como" is used and pronounced in Spanish. Here are a few examples:

In some parts of Spain, particularly in the south, the word "como" is pronounced with a "th" sound, like "co-mo".
In Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico and Central America, the word "como" can also be used as an interjection to express surprise or disbelief. For example: ¡Como que no lo sabías! (You didn't know that!)
In some regions of South America, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay, the word "como" can also be used as a slang term to mean "what's up?" or "how's it going?".

You can find the paperbacks on Amazon (we have frequency dictionaries for beginners, intermediates, advanced and near-fluent students), or get the eBooks directly from us here. (They are affiliate links. That means we might get a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking these links, at no extra cost to you.)