What does the underlined word mean in the following sentence? A mi amigo le gusta cantar. to dance to sing to sunbathe to relax
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
In the sentence “A mi amigo le gusta cantar,” the underlined word “cantar” means to sing.
Explanation
The sentence translates to “My friend likes to sing.” In this context, “gustar” is a Spanish verb that means “to like.” However, its construction differs from English. Instead of saying “I like to sing,” Spanish uses a structure where the subject (in this case, “a mi amigo” or “to my friend”) is indicated by the indirect object pronoun “le,” which translates to “to him/her.”
Breakdown of the Sentence
- A mi amigo: This means “to my friend.” Here, “mi” means “my,” and “amigo” means “friend.” This phrase identifies the person who likes singing.
- le: This is an indirect object pronoun, meaning “to him” or “to her.” In Spanish, verbs that express liking often require this construction. “Le” tells us who is experiencing the liking.
- gusta: This is the third-person singular form of the verb “gustar.” It agrees with the subject of the sentence, which in this case is “cantar.” In Spanish, you would say “gusta” because the action of liking is linked to the activity rather than the person doing the liking.
- cantar: This is the infinitive form of the verb meaning “to sing.” In Spanish, infinitives can function as nouns, and in this sentence, it indicates the activity that is liked.
Conclusion
The key takeaway is that “cantar” translates directly to “to sing” in English. Understanding this verb is crucial for anyone learning Spanish, especially since it’s commonly used in various contexts, whether discussing hobbies, preferences, or cultural activities. Using verbs in their infinitive form is essential in Spanish grammar, especially when expressing likes and dislikes, making “cantar” an important term for learners and speakers alike.