mag (mögen)
Translation
like, may
Examples
Ich mag Schokolade.
I like chocolate.
Er mag Recht haben.
He may be right.
Sie mag ihn nicht.
She doesn't like him.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to like sb./sth. Ich mag Pizza.
((+ infinitive)) may do sth. Er mag zu spät kommen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: gefallen (to be pleasing), lieben (to love)
Etymology
From Old High German 'magan' (to be able). Related to English 'may' and 'might'. The meaning shifted from 'ability' to 'liking'.
Memory Tips
It's the root of the English word 'may'. 'He may be right' (Er mag Recht haben) shows the original meaning of possibility. The 'liking' sense is a later development.