gusto

Want or Like

Level 1

Gusto is the most common way to say 'want' or 'like' in Filipino. It is a 'pseudo-verb,' meaning it doesn't change its form for tense like regular verbs do.

How It Works

1. The Experiencer (The 'Wanter')
Unlike English where we say 'I want', Filipino uses the genitive case for the person who wants. Use ko instead of ako. For names, use ni (singular) or nina (plural). Note that kay or kina are never used for the experiencer of gusto.

2. Wanting a Noun (Object)

  • Indefinite: Use ng for 'some' or 'any'. Gusto ko ng kape (I want [some] coffee).
  • Definite: Use ang for specific things. Gusto ko ang kape (I like the coffee).
  • People: Use si or sina when the object is a person. Gusto ko si Maria (I like Maria).

3. Wanting an Action (Verb)
Connect gusto to a verb using the linker.

  • Use the neutral form for a specific desire: Gusto kong kumain (I want to eat).
  • Use the progressive aspect for habitual liking: Gusto kong kumakain (I like eating).

4. Word Order
Gusto is an enclitic magnate. Short pronouns (ko, mo) and particles (ba, na) must jump to the position immediately after gusto.

Examples (6)

  1. Gusto ko ng tubig.

    I want some water.

    Word by Word: Want by-me of water.

    Uses the genitive pronoun 'ko' and the indefinite marker 'ng' to show a general desire for water.

  2. Gusto mo ba ang pelikulang ito?

    Do you like this movie?

    Word by Word: Want by-you [question] the movie-linker this?

    Uses 'ang' to indicate a specific object being liked. Note how the question particle 'ba' follows 'gusto' immediately.

  3. Gusto ko si Maria.

    I like Maria.

    Word by Word: Want by-me [focused-personal-marker] Maria.

    When the object of 'gusto' is a person, use the focused personal marker 'si' instead of 'ng' or 'ang'.

  4. Gusto nilang maglaro sa labas.

    They want to play outside.

    Word by Word: Want by-them-linker to-play at outside.

    Demonstrates the use of the linker '-ng' attached to the pronoun 'nila' to connect to the infinitive verb 'maglaro'.

  5. Gusto nina Maria at Juan ang kanta.

    Maria and Juan like the song.

    Word by Word: Want by-Maria and Juan the song.

    Uses 'nina' as the plural genitive marker for multiple names acting as the experiencer.

  6. Gusto kong kumakain ng prutas.

    I like eating fruit.

    Word by Word: Want by-me-linker eating of fruit.

    Uses the progressive aspect 'kumakain' to express a habitual liking for the action, rather than a one-time desire.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the 'ang' case (nominative) for the person wanting.

    Gusto ako ng kape.
    Gusto ko ng kape.

    Pseudo-verbs like 'gusto' require the genitive case (ko, mo, niya, etc.) for the person who feels the desire.

  • Forgetting the linker before a verb.

    Gusto ko kain.
    Gusto kong kumain.

    You must use a linker (-ng/na) and the proper infinitive form of the verb when expressing an action you want to do.

How It Connects

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gustoLevel 1Want or Like

Learn This First

To use 'gusto' correctly, you need to understand how to mark the person wanting something (using 'ng' case pronouns), how to mark the object being wanted (using the 'ng' marker), and how to connect 'gusto' to a following verb using the linker.

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