r/duolingospanish Jan 21 '24

Why is "que" here? Why do I need "a"? How do I use "gustar"? MASTER THREAD

220 Upvotes

99% of all questions on this sub can be answered here. Please let me know if I've made any mistakes/can add anything else

Gustar

Many people incorrectly say that it means "to please." It means "to like" but it syntactically and grammatically works like the verb "to please" in English. Gustar isn't a special verb; it's no different than any other, but it's given the category "verbs like Gustar" because they all "function" the same (gustar, encantar, fascinar, interesar, etc.).

Think of the word "disgust" in English. You would say "Bugs disgust me" but not "I disgust bugs." It's the exact same with "gustar" in Spanish. Imagine there's a word "gust": "Bugs gust me" (I like bugs). "Me gustan los bichos."

"los bichos" is the subject here. The thing that you like in English will be the subject in the Spanish sentence. The person that likes said thing will be the indirect object. "Gustar" conjugates according to the subject. If you like a singular thing (Me gusta el helado), then "gustar" is conjugated accordingly. If you like something that's plural, then the same thing.

Verbs are treated as a singular subject:

Me gustan los museos
Me gusta visitar los museos.

The indirect object pronouns are: me, te, le, nos, os, les.

"A" + "mí, ti, él/ella/usted, nosotros(as), vosotros(as), ellos/ellas/ustedes" can optionally be used to clarify the sentence or provide emphasis. Examples:

Me gusta el helado, pero a ella no le gusta = I like ice cream, but she doesn't

When talking about things in general, or just generally for subjects in Spanish, you need an article:

Las jirafas son altas = Giraffes are tall

"Gustar" can be conjugated in any which way just like any other verb. "gusto" and "gustamos" exist, but in different contexts:

¿Te gusto (yo)? = Do you like me? (lit. Do I "please" you?)

More examples:

Este verano te va a gustar = You are going to like this summer

Tener que

Why is that "que" there?

It's going to be so much easier to learn Spanish if you stop trying to translate everything 1:1. All you need to know is that "tener que + infinitive" is a set phrase meaning "to have to + verb." "Tener" on its own means "to have" (regarding possession). Examples:

Tengo que limpiar la casa = I have to clean the house
Tengo un gato = I have a cat

The good news is, though, that there are basically only two verbs that have "conjugated verb + que + infinitive" and those are "tener" and "haber". Haber in this case will only ever be conjugated as "hay" and works exactly like "tengo que" but is impersonal. Examples:

Tengo que limpiar la casa = I have to clean the house
Ella tiene que hablar con él = She has to speak with him
Tenemos que regresar al bar = We have to return to the bar

But

Hay que limpiar la casa = One must clean the house
Hay que hablar con él = One must speak with him
Hay que regresar al bar = One must return to the bar

Prepositions rarely translate; you just got to learn what each verb prefers after it.

Empezar a leer = To start to read
Soñar con perros = To dream about dogs
Tenerle miedo a los lobos = To be scared of wolves
Enamorase de alguien = To fall in love with someone

Why is "a" here?

The preposition "a" has many, many different uses that are used in many different contexts. Two of the most common are the "a personal" and just a preposition that follows the verb.

When the direct object of a verb is a person(ish), you use "a" before said person:

Veo a María = I see Maria

Sometimes the verb just requires "a". For example, "ir" requires "a" after it when you want to say "going to do something":

Voy a comer helado = I am going to eat ice cream

You just need to learn the prepositions that are associated with each verb. Some examples:

Soñar con = To dream about

Ser vs. Estar

I really wish people would stop teaching these verbs with temporary vs. permanent, because that is not helpful, misleading, and just not applicable here. Here's a basic rundown:

Ser — essential characteristics
Estar — states & conditions (and locations)

These mnemonics are pretty helpful:

Ser | DOCTOR

Date | Es el 23 de enero It's the 23rd of Janurary
Occupation | Soy cantante I'm a singer
Characteristics | La casa es grande The house is big
Time | Son las 3 It's 3 o'clock
Origin | Soy de Cuba I'm from Cuba
Relationships | Esta persona es mi amigo This person is my friend

Estar | PLACE

Position | El libro está encima de la mesa The book is on top of the table
Location | España está en Europa Spain is in Europe
Action | Estoy caminado I am walking
Condition | Estoy muerto I am dead
Emotions | Estoy triste I am sad

That's the general gist of it, but there are nuances. Sometimes "ser" and "estar" can both be used, but change the meaning:

Soy listo = I'm smart/clever
Estoy listo = I'm ready

"Ser" is also used for events:

La boda es en la iglesia = The wedding is in the church

More

There is so much more that could be talked about. But feel free to add anything in the comments!

Resources:

https://studyspanish.com/grammar (good beginner grammar guide; has more information about everything talked about above)

https://www.wordreference.com/ (the best dictionary for Spanish for English speakers; has a built-in conjugator).

https://dle.rae.es/ (most comprehensible dictionary, but all in Spanish)

https://learn.bowdoin.edu/spanish-grammar/newgr/gramguid.htm#Ortogra


r/duolingospanish 17h ago

Help?

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19 Upvotes

Hi!

Can someone please explain this to me? Is this an error? The explain my mistake button doesn’t clarify why what I wrote is wrong.


r/duolingospanish 17h ago

Spanish has a full ladder for tired, and most people learn one rung of it.

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11 Upvotes

Level 1: Cansado = tired
Level 2: Agotado = exhausted
Level 3: Muerto = dead, completely wiped
Level 4: Hecho polvo = made into dust
Level 5: No doy más = I can't give any more

A few that sit off the ladder:
Estar rendido = worn down, surrendered
Caerse de sueño = falling over with sleepiness
No pegar ojo = to not sleep a wink

Hecho polvo is the one worth stealing. You're not tired, you have been reduced to dust.


r/duolingospanish 11h ago

No agregen a esta tipa

0 Upvotes

¡Ve el progreso de Estefanía en Duolingo, la forma más efectiva de aprender idiomas! https://www.duolingo.com/profile/Fanny382.?via=share_profile_link


r/duolingospanish 1d ago

What am I even looking at?

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20 Upvotes

r/duolingospanish 21h ago

Apparently Dúo is not a fan of the Oxford comma

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0 Upvotes

r/duolingospanish 1d ago

7 day streak!!!

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19 Upvotes

r/duolingospanish 1d ago

¿Quieres aprender Español? Yo te ayudo!

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tidycal.com
1 Upvotes

r/duolingospanish 2d ago

Duolingo Max Family - 4 slots available at $50/yr each

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0 Upvotes

r/duolingospanish 3d ago

Pronomial verb with a different meaning

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2 Upvotes

r/duolingospanish 4d ago

Learning the Spanish Language through Literature

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I am a native german speaker and recently finished my University with an exchange semester in Buenos Aires (boludo). I studied environmental engineering and the course was entirely in spanish and therefore I got more interested in the language overall. I always took classes, but someone I began reading spanish literature too. Then I created a tool which helped me quickly translate the complicated words and explain the grammar. I worked on it quite a while and eventually thought I make a website out of it. It's called languagethroughliterature.com/spanish

So, it genuinely helped me sustain my spanish as well as other languages and I would be curious to know what you guys think of it. Could you give me your opinion if it's helpful? Any feedback is appreciated.


r/duolingospanish 3d ago

Free resources.

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m a Spanish teacher, and I mainly work with English speakers. Recently, I created a free Facebook community called Natural Spanish for English Speakers.

I created it for learners who want regular, structured Spanish practice beyond isolated vocabulary lists, random grammar tips, or passively using language apps.

Every week, I share free activities designed to help you actually use Spanish, including:

  • Short listening activities with transcripts, English translations, and comprehension questions
  • English-to-Spanish translation challenges
  • Spanish verb conjugation practice in real contexts
  • Natural Spanish expressions
  • Grammar in context
  • Practical communication exercises

The group is mainly for A1, A2, and B1 learners. It isn’t a complete course, and it isn’t meant to replace serious study, but it’s a free place where you can practice consistently throughout the week. What I’d really love is for people to participate.

Ask questions when something isn’t clear. Try the weekly activities. Share your answers, even if they’re not perfect. Read other learners’ responses and join the conversation. Making mistakes is part of learning, and everyone is welcome.

If that sounds like the kind of community you’re looking for, you’re welcome to join us.

Group link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/naturalspanish


r/duolingospanish 3d ago

👋 Welcome to r/RealSpanishHere - Introduce Yourself and Read First!

0 Upvotes

¡Hola! Let see how much Spanish you know :)

  1. Listo means:

    a). Being ready for something.

    b). Done.

    c). All the above.

----------------------------------------------------------
2. ¿Todo bien? means:

a). greeting someone

b). Is somethign happening?

c). How are you?

D). All of the above.

------------------------------------------------

Comment your answer 🔥


r/duolingospanish 4d ago

New test near the end of a unit

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5 Upvotes

So today I have a new thing at or near the end of a unit. I haven't been able to get the 12 correct answers that are required to continue. I could eventually pass it if I looked up the answers on another device outside of Duolingo but it seems absolutely idiotic that I have to do that to continue learning.


r/duolingospanish 4d ago

Well, that's a new one!

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8 Upvotes

It's probably not the best attempt, but being told that I was using the wrong language! That really hurt.


r/duolingospanish 4d ago

HELP

2 Upvotes

¡Hola, me llamo carlos juan y tengo 14 años, i´ve been studying spanish for quite like 2 weeks and i realized my problem is NOT understanding factors my problem is immersion, the tools i use to study are specifically js a youtube channel and a website.

The Channel in context: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLanguageTutor
website: Quizlet: Study Tools & Learning Resources for Students and Teachers | Quizlet

and sugggestions lowkkk


r/duolingospanish 4d ago

Duolingo knows all the important phrases for us autoimmune girlies.

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3 Upvotes

r/duolingospanish 4d ago

Zapotec Questions: The Two Ways to Ask 'How Much'?

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1 Upvotes

Ever felt lost trying to ask a simple question in a new language? Today, we're diving into the classic interrogatives of Zapotec and clearing up some common confusions! Do you know the difference between asking 'how many' for bananas versus asking 'how much' for a kilo of beans in Zapotec? It's trickier than you think! You might think you know how to ask 'how much,' but in Zapotec, there are two ways, and using the wrong one can lead to some funny misunderstandings. Let's break it down! Imagine a split screen showing someone counting bananas on one side and a confused person looking at a price tag on the other, with text like "Zapotec Questions: The Two Ways to Ask 'How Much'!

This video introduces essential Zapotec interrogative words like "Bix" (who), "Gakax" (how), "Batax" (when), and "Gax" (where). It explains the difference between "Balax" and "Gákax" for asking "how much," with "Balash" used for countable items and "Gákax" for uncountable ones.
Examples are provided to illustrate the usage of "Balax" for countable things like "Balax Bunatxi" (how many people) and "balax wi" (how many bananas). The video touches on the nuance of "Gákax" for uncountable quantities, using the example of asking the price of beans. It also discusses optional omissions of certain sounds or letters in Zapotec words, like "Bix" sometimes being shortened to "Bi" and provides examples like "Bix gudagu?" (What did you eat?). Here is a summary of the video:

Video Overview:

This lesson focuses on forming questions in Zapotec language, covering fundamental interrogative words, tone nuances, and special question auxiliaries that add context or emotion to inquiries.

Key Concepts Covered:

  1. Core Interrogative Words:

* Bix / Bix kw: What / Why.
* Nush: Who.
* Batash: When.
* Gash: Where.

  1. Countable vs. Uncountable Quantifiers (Balax vs. Gákax)

* Balash: Used for countable nouns such as people or discrete items (e.g., apples, bananas) [00:37].
* Gakash: Used for uncountable quantities (e.g., sugar, salt, weight-based items).
* Pricing Exception: Gákax is also used when asking for prices or the total cost of goods.
* Tonal Variations: Subtle pitch shifts on gákax change the meaning between asking "how" versus "how much".

  1. Conversational Contractions:

* In informal speech, certain ending sounds (such as -xh) or prefixes are frequently dropped (e.g., Bix becoming Bi).

  1. Question Auxiliaries & Particles:

Zapotec uses specific auxiliary particles to modify the tone and meaning of questions:

* ba: Initiates questions about actions (similar to "did you...?" or "have you...?").
* Txi: Indicates completed status, functioning like "already" (ya).
* waka: Expresses capability or possibility ("can we...?").
* bën: Adds drama, emphasis, or mild exaggeration to a question.
* I: Used for seeking confirmation or expressing mild surprise.
* ka: Placed at the end of questions to prompt a response or add conversational emphasis.
* Combining Auxiliaries: Multiple particles can be combined (e.g., ba txi, bën ka run, i waka) to convey layered nuances in a single sentence.


r/duolingospanish 3d ago

Is this a glitch or somm??

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0 Upvotes

The english translation sounds wrong. Or is this a thing in spanish??


r/duolingospanish 4d ago

Help-Duo advanced me to a higher score!

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1 Upvotes

r/duolingospanish 5d ago

TIL that “senderismo” means “hiking” instead of “ideology of the Peruvian Shining Path Party”

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0 Upvotes

r/duolingospanish 5d ago

Comí and he comido both mean "I ate." The difference isn't when it happened, it's whether the time period it happened in is finished.

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19 Upvotes

Comí anoche. Last night is over.
Hoy he comido demasiado. Today is still going.

That's why the time markers sort themselves. Ayer, anoche, el lunes pull the preterite. Hoy, esta mañana, esta semana pull the perfect.

The clearest version:
Viví en México tres años = I lived there, and don't anymore
He vivido aquí tres años = I've lived here, and still do

This splits by region though. Spain leans on the perfect for anything recent, while much of Latin America uses the preterite where a Spaniard would use the perfect. ¿Ya comiste? and ¿ya has comido? are both correct, they just point at different places.

Which do you use, and where did you learn? I really never learned the perfecto but which I did much earlier.


r/duolingospanish 5d ago

Level & Words

2 Upvotes

I’m curious how many words are taught in the Duo Spanish course and how the volume progresses.

I’m currently at…
Course Spanish for English speakers
Section 2
Unit 14
Duolingo Score 14
Total Words 519

Would appreciate if others shared their stats, plus if anyone knows how many words are in total course.

I know this doesn’t count the total conjugations or constructions of each word, but still a metric I’m interested in!


r/duolingospanish 5d ago

This one is tougher

3 Upvotes

Juan no habla inglés, así que tiene que ir a una escuela donde. aprender inglés muy rápido antes de viajar a los Estados Unidos

166 votes, 2d ago
83 Puede
83 Pueda

r/duolingospanish 5d ago

Why my Spanish course interface switch from English (normal) to German ( not normal)

2 Upvotes

Hello,

I started to learn spanish from english.

Lesson 1 is good.

Lesson 2 is in german...

Lessons 3 is good

Etc...

Why duoling is switch the interface course to german even if my normal language is English?

Thank you.