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gusto

gústo with stress marks

want, like

verb noun GUS-to Spanish origin Common
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Usage Note

Gusto is borrowed from Spanish gusto (taste, pleasure) and is one of the most common verbs in conversational Tagalog, used to express desire or preference. Unlike many Tagalog verbs, it does not require actor-focus affixes in casual speech — making it one of the more learner-friendly high-frequency words.

Examples

Beginner

" Gusto ko ng tubig. "

Natural Translation

I want water.

Literal Translation

Want I of water.

Intermediate

" Gusto ko ng mangga. "

Natural Translation

I like mango.

Literal Translation

Like I of mango.

Advanced

" Gusto kong matuto ng Tagalog para mas madali akong makipag-usap sa mga kamag-anak ko sa probinsya. "

Natural Translation

I want to learn Tagalog so I can more easily talk with my relatives in the province.

Literal Translation

Want I-to learn of Tagalog so more easy I-to converse with the relatives my in province.

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How Tagalog words work

Object Focus Verbs

gustuhin OF VERB

to want [it]

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