Translation guide
Expressing that you like or are fond of someone or something in Japanese. The most common and natural way is using 好き (suki), but other expressions exist for different nuances and levels of formality.
Expressing that you like or are fond of someone or something in a general, everyday sense.
The most common and versatile way to say you like or are fond of something or someone. Can be used for objects, activities, people, etc. Often used in the pattern ～が好きです.
Means 'very fond of' or 'love'. Stronger than 好き. Used for things or people you really like.
私は犬が大好きです。
I am very fond of dogs.
Literally 'it has entered my spirit/mood', meaning you are fond of something because it suits your taste. Often used for things you have chosen or acquired.
このカバンを気に入っています。
I am fond of this bag.
Expressing fondness or affection toward a person, often with a nuance of emotional attachment.
Can also mean romantic liking, but in context it simply expresses fondness. Use with care as it can imply romantic interest depending on situation.
When used about a person, 好き can imply romantic interest. To avoid ambiguity, use other expressions or clarify context.
彼女は子供が好きです。
She is fond of children.
Used when someone (especially a child or animal) is fond of and attached to a person. Implies a sense of trust and closeness.
その子犬は私にとても懐いています。
The puppy is very fond of me.
Expresses a deep emotional attachment or fondness, often for something you've had for a long time. More formal/literary.
この古い家に愛着があります。
I am fond of this old house.
Describing a habitual liking or tendency to be fond of something.
Use the verb nominalized with の or こと plus が好き to say you like doing something.
私は本を読むのが好きです。
I am fond of reading books.
A more formal verb meaning 'to be fond of' or 'to prefer'. Often used in written language or formal speech.
彼は静かな環境を好む。
He is fond of quiet environments.
In Japanese culture, directly stating strong liking can sometimes be too forward. Here are softer ways to express fondness.
Lit. 'not dislike'. A modest way to say you are somewhat fond of something. Common in casual conversation.
あの映画、嫌いじゃないよ。
I'm kind of fond of that movie.
Means 'not entirely bad' or 'not so bad', implying you are actually quite fond of it. Used when you don't want to admit outright.
彼の料理はまんざらでもない。
I'm actually quite fond of his cooking.
好き is the standard 'like/fond of'. 大好き is much stronger, closer to 'love'. Use 大好き carefully as it can sound childish or overly emotional in some contexts.
好き describes a general liking. 気に入る is often used for something you have just encountered or acquired and find to your taste. 気に入っている is the state of being fond of it after the initial impression.
彼女は昔から動物が好きだ。
She has always been fond of animals.
辛いものはあまり好きじゃない。
I'm not particularly fond of spicy food.