Repetition of indirect object pronouns in Spanish with verbs like gustar

Learn about double pronouns with gustar in Spanish

Verbs that operate like gustar often have double indirect pronouns in the same sentence, for example a mí, a tia él and metele.

Sometimes it is necessary to keep both and sometimes one is enough.

Here is a list of verbs that operate like gustar.

 

With an indirect object "a + pronoun"

In sentences where the indirect object is represented by "a + pronoun", for example "a mí, a ti, a ella..." you must repeat the indirect object with another "short" pronoun (me, te, le, nos, os, les) in the same sentence.

Have a look at the following examples:

A ella no le gusta la paella.She doesn't like paella. (Paella doesn't please her.)

A él le molesta mucho el ruido del tráfico.The noise from the traffic really bothers him.

A vosotros os fascina la cultura japonesa.You [pl] are fascinated by Japanese culture.

It would be incorrect to use the pronoun with "a" on its own:

  • A él molesta mucho el ruido del tráfico.
  • A ella no gusta la paella.
  • A vosotros fascina la cultura japonesa.

Here are some more examples:

A ella le interesa la literatura francesa.She is interested in French literature. (French literature interests her.)

A ellos les aburre el tenis.They find tennis boring. (Tennis bores them.)

A nosotros nos apasionan los coches de carreras.We are passionate about racing cars.

Remember the pronouns with "a" reinforce, emphasise and clarify but they are not essential, whilst pronouns me, te, le, nos, os, les cannot be omitted.

  • A ti te interesa la literatura francesa. (correct)
  • Te interesa la literatura francesa. (correct)

A ti interesa la literatura francesa. (incorrect)

 

When we name the person 

If we are more specific and either name the person or say who it is, for example "A María" or "A mi padre", the same rule applies. You cannot omit the "short" pronoun.

Have a look:

A María le apasionan las películas de los 50.María is passionate about films from the 50s.

A mi padre le fascinan los coches de carrera.My dad is crazy about racing cars.

This would be incorrect:

A María apasionan las películas de los 50.

A mi padre fascinan los coches de carrera.

See also Repetition of indirect object pronouns with verbs in Spanish (general)

 

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics

Examples and resources

A ella no le gusta la paella.She doesn't like paella. (Paella doesn't please her.)
A él le molesta mucho el ruido del tráfico.The noise from the traffic really bothers him.
A ellos les aburre el tenis.They find tennis boring. (Tennis bores them.)
A nosotros nos apasionan los coches de carreras.We are passionate about racing cars.
A vosotros os fascina la cultura japonesa.You [pl] are fascinated by Japanese culture.
A mi padre le fascinan los coches de carrera.My dad is crazy about racing cars.
A María le apasionan las películas de los 50.María is passionate about films from the 50s.
A ella le interesa la literatura francesa.She is interested in French literature. (French literature interests her.)
Clever stuff happening!