Likes are built with the copula: Is maith liom X (I like X), Is fearr liom X (I prefer X), Ní maith liom X (I don't like X). Where English uses an -ing word after "like", Irish uses the verbal noun: snámh, léamh, siúl. Use "ná" for "than".
Examples
- Is maith liom snámh san fharraige.
- I like swimming in the sea.
- Is fearr liom peil ná rugbaí.
- I prefer football to rugby.
- Ní maith liom a bheith ag fanacht.
- I don't like waiting.
The mistake to avoid
Making the negative with "níl" — the copula's negative is "ní maith liom", never "níl maith liom".
Where this fits in
Caitheamh Aimsire agus Am Saor, Irish Gaelic A2: Talk about hobbies, likes and dislikes, and free-time plans.