gefallen
Translation
to please, to be to one's liking
Examples
Das neue Kleid gefällt mir sehr.
I like the new dress very much.
Gefällt es dir hier in der Stadt?
Do you like it here in the city?
Grammar Patterns
((sb.dat)) to please (sb.) The dress pleases me.
Similar Words
Synonyms: mögen (but takes accusative); Antonyms: missfallen
Etymology
From 'ge-' (prefix) + 'fallen' (to fall). It literally means 'to fall to' someone's liking.
Memory Tips
Remember the dative structure: 'Es gefällt MIR' (It pleases ME), not 'Ich gefalle es'. The thing being liked is the subject. Similar to 'to please' in English.