Why 'me gusta'?

Question

Hi,I am confused by the above.I would have thought that 'yo gusto' = I like.  Can anyone explain please?Thanks.Colin

Accepted Answer

Hola Colin
As explained in the lesson the verb gustar (to like) works differently to other verbs.
The subject of "gustar" is "whatever the person likes". This can be a singular thing or a plural thing. 
Then the verb gustar agrees with that subject. It is either "gusta" for a singular thing or "gustan" for a plural thing. Then the person doing the liking is expressed with "me, te, le..." (these are called indirect object pronouns). So:

Me gusta la ciudad. 
I like the city.
Me gustan las manzanas. 
I like apples.

It is as if we were saying "the city pleases me" and "Apples please me". This way you can see the subject, the verb and the indirect object more clearly.
I hope this clarified it.
Saludos
Inma