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.
その計画に賛成です。
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.
お願いがあるんだけど。
I have a favour to ask.
ちょっとお願いしてもいい？
Can I ask you a favour?
A slightly more direct word for 'favour' or 'request'. Often used among friends or in casual situations.
頼みがあるんだけど。
I have a favour to ask.
Means 'kindness' or 'favour' as a kind act. Used when thanking someone for a favour.
ご親切にありがとうございます。
Thank you for your kindness/favour.
Refers to a favour that creates a debt of gratitude. Used in expressions like 'return a favour'.
恩を返す。
To 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.
Means 'agreement' or 'approval'. Used in 'in favour of' as ～に賛成だ.
その計画に賛成ですか？
Are you in favour of the plan?
私はその提案に賛成です。
I am in favour of the proposal.
Means 'support'. Stronger than 賛成, often used for political or public support.
彼は改革を支持している。
He is in favour of reform.
Means 'goodwill' or 'favour'. Used in phrases like 'find favour with someone'.
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.
先生は特定の生徒をひいきしている。
The teacher favours certain students.
ひいきしないでください。
Please don't play favourites.
A stronger, more negative word for favouritism. Implies unfair bias.
Literally 'hold someone's shoulder', meaning to side with or favour someone in a dispute.
Referring to a party favour or small present
We gave out party favours. · The wedding favours were lovely.
Means 'souvenir' or 'memento', often used for small gifts given at events.
結婚式の記念品を用意した。
We prepared wedding favours.
Wasei-eigo for 'small gift', commonly used for party favours.
パーティーのプチギフトを買った。
I bought party favours.
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.
He found favour with his boss.
彼はえこひいきで昇進した。
He got promoted through favouritism.
彼はいつも弟の肩を持つ。
He always favours his younger brother.