Translation guide
The English word "favor" covers a range of meanings from a helpful act to approval or preference. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
Expressing that someone did something nice for you, or asking someone to do something for you.
Refers to a kind act or kindness in general. Often used to thank someone for a favor.
Thank you for your kindness.
Used when asking for a favor. Literally means 'request' but is the natural way to ask someone to do something for you.
I have a small favor to ask.
Similar to お願い but slightly more direct. Often used among close friends or in casual situations.
Can you do me a favor?
A set phrase meaning 'I'll owe you one' or 'I'm indebted to you.' Used to express deep gratitude for a favor.
I owe you one for helping me out.
Showing that you like one thing more than another, or that you support a particular option.
The standard way to express preference. Literally 'I like X more.'
I favor dogs over cats.
Means 'to support' in the sense of backing a person, idea, or policy. More formal.
I favor his proposal.
Means 'to agree with' or 'to be in favor of' an idea or plan.
Are you in favor of the plan?
Showing unfair preference for one person or group over another.
The most common word for favoritism. Often used in contexts like teachers favoring certain students.
The teacher is showing favoritism toward certain students.
Kanji form of えこひいき. More formal or literary.
Literally 'to hold someone's shoulder,' meaning to take someone's side or show favoritism.
Referring to a small present given at a party or event, often as a return gift.
In English, 'do me a favor' is a common request. In Japanese, directly translating this sounds unnatural. Instead, use お願いがある or 頼みがある, or simply make a polite request using 〜てくれませんか or 〜ていただけませんか.
Could you do me a favor and help me?
Both mean 'request' or 'favor,' but お願い is more polite and common in everyday speech. 頼み is slightly more direct and often used among close friends or in casual settings. お願い can be used in almost any situation.
I have a favor to ask. (polite)
I have a favor to ask. (casual)
I'm in favor of the new policy.
Thanks for the favor!
Literally 'You saved me, thanks!' – a natural way to thank someone for a favor.
依怙贔屓はよくない。
Favoritism is not good.
彼はいつも弟の肩を持つ。
He always favors his younger brother.
The wedding favor was a catalog gift.