gustar
/ɡusˈtaɾ/ · A1 · verb
translated as "to like", analyzable in structure as "to please" [with dative ‘someone’]. See the usage notes for more. Compare similar structures in Italian piacere, Romanian plăcea, German gefallen and Russian нравиться.
😋 gustar = gusto: it gives me gusto, so I like it
From Latin gustare, to taste, the same root as English gusto and disgust. The liked thing is the subject: me gusta el café = coffee is pleasing to me. If it tastes good to you, you like it.