Translation guide
The English word "favor" covers a range of meanings from a helpful act to approval or preference. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
Expressing that someone did something nice for you, or asking someone to do something for you.
Refers to a kind act or kindness in general. Often used to thank someone for a favor.
ご親切にありがとうございます。
Thank you for your kindness.
Used when asking for a favor. Literally means 'request' but is the natural way to ask someone to do something for you.
ちょっとお願いがあるんだけど。
I have a small favor to ask.
Similar to お願い but slightly more direct. Often used among close friends or in casual situations.
頼みを聞いてくれる？
Can you do me a favor?
A set phrase meaning 'I'll owe you one' or 'I'm indebted to you.' Used to express deep gratitude for a favor.
助けてくれて恩に着るよ。
I owe you one for helping me out.
Showing that you like one thing more than another, or that you support a particular option.
The standard way to express preference. Literally 'I like X more.'
私は犬の方が猫より好きです。
I favor dogs over cats.
Means 'to support' in the sense of backing a person, idea, or policy. More formal.
彼の提案を支持します。
I favor his proposal.
Means 'to agree with' or 'to be in favor of' an idea or plan.
その計画に賛成ですか？
Are you in favor of the plan?
Showing unfair preference for one person or group over another.
The most common word for favoritism. Often used in contexts like teachers favoring certain students.
先生が特定の生徒をえこひいきしている。
The teacher is showing favoritism toward certain students.
Kanji form of えこひいき. More formal or literary.
Literally 'to hold someone's shoulder,' meaning to take someone's side or show favoritism.
Referring to a small present given at a party or event, often as a return gift.
A commemorative gift or favor given at events like weddings.
結婚式の記念品をもらいました。
I received a wedding favor.
Specifically a gift given to guests at a wedding reception.
In English, 'do me a favor' is a common request. In Japanese, directly translating this sounds unnatural. Instead, use お願いがある or 頼みがある, or simply make a polite request using 〜てくれませんか or 〜ていただけませんか.
ちょっと手伝ってくれませんか。
Could you do me a favor and help me?
Both mean 'request' or 'favor,' but お願い is more polite and common in everyday speech. 頼み is slightly more direct and often used among close friends or in casual settings. お願い can be used in almost any situation.
お願いがあるんですが。
I have a favor to ask. (polite)
頼みがあるんだけど。
I have a favor to ask. (casual)
新しい方針に賛成です。
I'm in favor of the new policy.
助かったよ、ありがとう！
Thanks for the favor!
Literally 'You saved me, thanks!' – a natural way to thank someone for a favor.
依怙贔屓はよくない。
Favoritism is not good.
彼はいつも弟の肩を持つ。
He always favors his younger brother.
引き出物はカタログギフトでした。
The wedding favor was a catalog gift.