Translation guide
Expresses a liking or preference for something, often with a nuance of mild favoritism or habitual enjoyment. In Japanese, this is commonly conveyed through phrases indicating fondness, preference, or a soft spot for something.
The speaker likes something and often chooses it, without strong obsession.
The most direct and common way to say you like something. Can be used for anything from food to activities. Softens the English 'be partial to' into a simple statement of liking.
I'm partial to black tea.
He's partial to sweets.
A stronger version of 好き, meaning 'really like' or 'love'. Use when the partiality is more enthusiastic.
I'm really partial to dogs.
Literally 'have no eyes for ~', meaning you have a weakness for something and can't resist it. Stronger than 'be partial to', implies indulgence.
She's partial to chocolate (she can't resist it).
Means 'to one's taste' or 'preference'. Slightly more formal and less emotional than 好き. Often used for aesthetic or refined preferences.
This wine is to my taste (I'm partial to it).
The speaker treats someone or something with special preference, often unfairly.
Means to favor or show partiality, often in a context like a teacher favoring a student or a boss favoring an employee. Can be used for things as well.
The teacher is partial to certain students.
He's always partial to the local team.
Literally 'sweet on ~', meaning lenient or indulgent toward someone. Implies a soft spot that leads to favorable treatment.
Grandpa is partial to his grandchildren (he spoils them).
A stronger, more explicit term for favoritism, often with a negative connotation of unfair bias. Used in formal or serious contexts.
The English phrase 'be partial to' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating word-for-word (e.g., 部分的である) will result in nonsense. Instead, choose a phrase based on whether you mean 'like' or 'show favoritism'.
I am partial to coffee. (incorrect, unnatural)
好き is the general word for 'like' and is safe for most situations. 好み is more about taste or preference and can sound refined or distant. Use 好き for everyday partiality.
I'm partial to sushi. (natural, everyday)
Sushi is to my taste. (more formal, less common)
The boss is partial to some employees (showing favoritism).