Translation guide
The practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to someone, often based on personal liking rather than merit. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific nouns, verbs, and set phrases that describe favoritism in various contexts, from workplace to family.
Expressing that someone is treated better than others due to personal preference, not merit.
The most common and versatile word for favoritism. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (えこひいきする). Suitable for everyday conversation.
先生が特定の生徒をえこひいきしている。
The teacher is showing favoritism toward a particular student.
あの上司はえこひいきがひどい。
That boss's favoritism is terrible.
Kanji form of えこひいき, but rarely used in modern writing. The kana form is strongly preferred.
依怙贔屓は良くない。
Favoritism is not good.
Literally 'biased love'. A more formal or literary term for favoritism, often implying an excessive or blind affection.
親の偏愛が子供の成長に悪影響を与えることもある。
Parental favoritism can sometimes negatively affect a child's development.
Describing a situation where promotions or opportunities are given based on connections or personal liking rather than ability.
A set phrase meaning 'personnel decisions based on personal connections/favoritism'. Common in business contexts.
この会社では情実人事が横行している。
Favoritism in personnel decisions is rampant in this company.
Hiring through connections, nepotism. 'コネ' comes from 'connection'. Often used critically.
彼はコネ採用で入社したらしい。
Apparently he got the job through connections.
Favoritism toward one's own group, family, or close associates. Less common than えこひいき.
Showing clear preference for one child or pet over others.
The verb 'to favor'. Often used with えこひいき, but can stand alone. ひいき is the noun.
母は弟ばかりひいきする。
My mother always favors my younger brother.
Literally 'favorite'. Can imply favoritism when used in contexts where equal treatment is expected.
あの子は先生のお気に入りだ。
That kid is the teacher's pet.
Directly accusing someone of being biased or playing favorites.
A blunt statement: 'That's favoritism!'
それってえこひいきだよ！
That's favoritism!
Means 'It's unfair'. Often used when favoritism is perceived, though it doesn't explicitly name the cause.
そんなの不公平だ！
That's so unfair!
えこひいき is the everyday word for favoritism in any context (school, work, family). 偏愛 is more literary and emphasizes a biased, often irrational love. Use えこひいき for most situations.
日常会話では「えこひいき」を使うのが自然です。
In daily conversation, it's natural to use 'えこひいき'.
The English word 'favoritism' doesn't have a single direct equivalent that works in all contexts. Avoid trying to translate word-for-word; instead, choose the expression that fits the specific situation (e.g., えこひいき for general favoritism, 情実人事 for workplace promotions).
「フェイバリティズム」と言っても通じません。
Saying 'feibaritiizumu' won't be understood.
To appoint relatives to executive positions out of favoritism.