Translation guide
The English word 'favour' covers several distinct meanings: a helpful act, approval or support, preferential treatment, and a small gift. Japanese expresses each differently, often with specific verbs and nouns. Direct translation is rarely possible.
I'm in favour of the plan.
Asking for or offering a helpful act
Can you do me a favour? · Thanks for the favour. · I need a favour.
The most common way to ask for a favour. Literally 'request', but used like 'favour' in 'do me a favour'. Often used with する or がある.
I have a favour to ask.
A slightly more direct word for 'favour' or 'request'. Often used among friends or in casual situations.
Means 'kindness' or 'favour' as a kind act. Used when thanking someone for a favour.
Refers to a favour that creates a debt of gratitude. Used in expressions like 'return a favour'.
Expressing that someone likes or supports something
The proposal found favour with the committee. · He is in favour of the plan. · That idea doesn't find favour with me.
Showing bias or giving an advantage to one side
The referee showed favour to the home team. · Don't play favourites. · He accused the teacher of favouritism.
Means 'favouritism' or 'partiality'. Commonly used in 'play favourites' as ひいきする.
Referring to a party favour or small present
We gave out party favours. · The wedding favours were lovely.
Never translate 'do me a favour' literally as 私に好意をしてください. It sounds unnatural. Use お願い or 頼み instead.
お願い is polite and safe for most situations. 頼み is more direct and casual, suitable among close friends. In formal contexts, stick to お願い.
Use お願いがあるんですが or ちょっとお願いしてもよろしいでしょうか for polite requests. Adding 申し訳ありませんが (I'm sorry to trouble you) makes it even softer.
Can I ask you a favour?
I have a favour to ask.
ご親切にありがとうございます。
Thank you for your kindness/favour.
To return a favour.
Means 'agreement' or 'approval'. Used in 'in favour of' as ～に賛成だ.
Are you in favour of the plan?
I am in favour of the proposal.
Means 'support'. Stronger than 賛成, often used for political or public support.
He is in favour of reform.
Means 'goodwill' or 'favour'. Used in phrases like 'find favour with someone'.
He found favour with his boss.
The teacher favours certain students.
Please don't play favourites.
A stronger, more negative word for favouritism. Implies unfair bias.
He got promoted through favouritism.
Literally 'hold someone's shoulder', meaning to side with or favour someone in a dispute.
He always favours his younger brother.
Means 'souvenir' or 'memento', often used for small gifts given at events.
We prepared wedding favours.
Wasei-eigo for 'small gift', commonly used for party favours.
I bought party favours.