大好き
daisuki[da̠isɨ̥kʲi]
The English phrase "I adore you" is translated into Japanese as 大好き (daisuki).
大好き is a phrase used to tell someone that you love them very much. While it is often used for people, it is also used to express adoration for inanimate objects, hobbies or food, such as saying you love chocolate.
Which one should you use?
While 大好き is used to say "I adore you" or "I love you" in a bright and common way, the expression 愛してる is a much heavier and more serious expression of romantic love.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding です to the end of 大好き makes the expression polite (大好きです). In informal speech, adding the particle だよ makes the phrase sound more casual and assertive (大好きだよ).
How do you pronounce it?
daisuki
Did you know?
- The kanji 好 is composed of two parts: 'woman' and 'child', which historically suggests the idea of a woman and a child being in harmony or a 'good' state.
- In Japanese, 大好き is often used in romantic confessions, known as kokuhaku, to officially ask someone to start a relationship.
- While 大好き expresses affection, Japanese speakers often avoid using 'I' (私) or 'you' (あなた) when saying it, as the subject and object are implied by context.
Examples in context
- 先生、大変尊敬しています。私はあなたの授業が大好きです。Teacher, I greatly admire you. I adore your classes.
- 大好きだよ。一緒にいると本当に幸せだよ。I adore you. I'm truly happy when we're together.
- あなたのことが大好きです。anata no koto ga daisuki desu.I adore you.
- 本当に大好きなんです。hontou ni daisuki nan desu.I really adore you.
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a park at sunset.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、大好きだよ。ren-kun, daisuki da yo.Ren, I adore you.
- 蓮 Ren僕も結衣が大好きだよ。boku mo yui ga daisuki da yo.I adore you too, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiずっと一緒にいようね。zutto issho ni iyou ne.Let's be together forever.
- 蓮 Renもちろん、約束するよ。mochiron, yakusoku suru yo.Of course, I promise.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 大好き, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
