Translation guide
The English word "liking" is a noun meaning a feeling of fondness or preference. In Japanese, this concept is most naturally expressed using the adjective 好き (suki), which functions like "liked" or "fond of" in English. The verb 好む (konomu) is more formal and less common in everyday speech. This guide covers how to express liking for people, things, activities, and abstract concepts, with attention to natural phrasing and common patterns.
Expressing that you like someone or something in a general sense.
The most common and natural way to express liking. It is a na-adjective meaning "liked" or "fond of." The thing liked is marked with が.
A verb meaning "to like" or "to prefer." More formal and often used in written language or to express a deliberate preference. In casual speech, 好き is preferred.
He likes sweet things.
Literally "to enter one's spirit," meaning to take a liking to something, often after experiencing it. Used when you find something pleasing or to your taste.
I liked this book. (I took a liking to it.)
She seems to have taken a liking to that dress.
Expressing that you like someone, which can range from friendly affection to romantic interest.
Used for both platonic and romantic liking. Context and tone clarify the nuance. For romantic interest, it is often used in confessions.
I like you. (can be romantic)
Do you like him? (romantic implication)
Literally "to hold good will," a more formal and indirect way to say you have a liking or affection for someone, often used in descriptions rather than direct speech.
She has a liking for him.
Expressing that you like doing a particular activity.
Expressing a preference or comparative liking.
Pattern for comparing: AよりBの方が好き means "I like B more than A."
I like cats more than dogs.
Noun meaning "liking," "taste," or "preference." Used to talk about personal preferences.
Expressing the process of starting to like something or someone.
Literally "to become liking," meaning to come to like or fall for someone/something.
I've come to like him. / I fell for him.
While studying Japanese, I developed a liking for Japanese culture.
As above, often used when you take a liking to something after trying or seeing it.
Referring to the feeling of liking as a concept or state.
Means "good will," "favor," or "liking." Often used in formal contexts or to describe someone's feelings objectively.
He harbors a liking for her.
Means "love" or "liking" in a strong, often hobby-related sense. Used in compounds like 愛好家 (enthusiast).
English often uses 'liking' as a noun (e.g., 'to one's liking'), but Japanese rarely uses a direct noun equivalent in casual speech. Instead, use 好き or 好み depending on context. For example, 'Is it to your liking?' is naturally お口に合いますか？ (Does it suit your palate?) or 気に入りましたか？ (Did you take a liking to it?).
好き is an adjective and the default for everyday liking. 好む is a verb and sounds more deliberate or formal. In most casual conversations, 好き is preferred. 好む is common in written language or when discussing tastes/preferences objectively.
That's a matter of personal liking.
Music that suits his liking.
初めて見たとき、すぐに気に入った。
When I first saw it, I immediately took a liking to it.
彼は音楽の愛好家だ。
He is a lover of music.