Translation guide
Expressing that you like someone or something in a gentle, often non-romantic way. Japanese uses different adjectives and verbs depending on the nuance: general liking, emotional attachment, or preference.
To say you like someone or something in a mild, affectionate way, without strong romantic or obsessive connotations.
The most common and versatile word for 'like' or 'be fond of'. Can be used for people, things, and activities. Often used with the particle が.
Literally 'it has entered my liking'. Used when you have taken a liking to something specific, often after trying or experiencing it. Implies a personal attachment.
この店をとても気に入っています。
I'm very fond of this shop.
A more formal or literary verb meaning 'to like' or 'to prefer'. Often used in written language or formal speech.
彼女は静かな環境を好む。
She is fond of quiet environments.
To express a deeper fondness that involves emotional warmth or affection, but not necessarily romantic love.
Means 'like very much' or 'love' in a non-romantic sense. Stronger than 好き. Commonly used for family, friends, pets, and hobbies.
私は祖母が大好きです。
I'm very fond of my grandmother.
犬が大好き！
I'm really fond of dogs!
Expresses a sense of attachment or fondness developed over time, often for objects, places, or pets. Implies a bond.
この古い時計に愛着がある。
I'm fond of this old watch.
A verb meaning to treat someone/something with affectionate care, like doting on a child or pet. Implies active fondness.
To indicate a habitual liking or preference for something, often in the context of food, activities, or styles.
The standard pattern for expressing likes. Replace 〜 with the thing you like. Use な-adjective or noun + が好き.
甘いものが好きです。
I'm fond of sweet things.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to be crazy about' or 'have a weakness for'. Stronger than simple fondness, often used for food or hobbies.
彼は甘いものに目がない。
He's very fond of sweets (he can't resist them).
There is no direct adjective equivalent to 'fond' in Japanese. Using 好き is the natural way to express the concept. Do not try to translate 'fond' as a separate word.
好き is neutral 'like', while 大好き is stronger 'like very much/love'. Use 大好き for family, close friends, and pets to sound warm. Using 好き for a family member can sound distant.
彼は孫をとてもかわいがっている。
He is very fond of his grandchild.