Greetings! In this guide, we will delve into expressing the phrase “I also like” in Japanese. Whether you wish to convey your interests to your Japanese friends, speak about your preferences in a formal setting, or simply expand your language skills, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the various ways to express this phrase in both formal and informal contexts, while highlighting a few regional variations when necessary. Stay tuned for many helpful tips and examples!
Table of Contents
Expressing “I Also Like” in Informal Settings
When conversing with friends or peers in a casual setting, the phrase “I also like” can be expressed using the word “suki” (好き), which means “like” in Japanese. However, to explicitly convey the idea of “also liking,” you can use the term “watashi mo suki” (私も好き). Let’s break it down:
Note: “Watashi mo suki” literally translates to “I also like.” It is important to note that “watashi” is a common way to say “I” in Japanese, but you can replace it with more informal pronouns such as “boku” or “ore” if you want to sound even more casual.
Here are a few examples to help you understand further:
- Example 1: Anime mo suki desu. (アニメも好きです。) – I also like anime.
- Example 2: Nihon no ongaku mo watashi wa suki desu. (日本の音楽も私は好きです。) – I also like Japanese music.
- Example 3: Raamen mo ore ga suki na tabemono da. (ラーメンも俺が好きな食べ物だ。) – I also like ramen; it’s one of my favorite foods.
You can use these expressions to connect with your friends and share your common interests in a relaxed environment.
Formal Expressions of “I Also Like”
When expressing your liking for something in a more formal context, using the term “watashi mo suki” may not be suitable. Instead, we will introduce an alternative phrase, “Watashi mo naruhodo to omou” (私もなるほどと思います). Let’s break it down:
Note: “Watashi mo naruhodo to omou” conveys the idea of “I also think/feel.” Although it is a more formal expression, it implies that you also like something in the same way as the other person.
Consider the following examples to grasp its usage:
- Example 1: Nihongo ga jozu desu ne. Watashi mo naruhodo to omou. (日本語が上手ですね。私もなるほどと思います。) – You’re good at Japanese. I also think so.
- Example 2: Kono resutoran no sushi wa oishii desu. Watashi mo naruhodo to omou. (このレストランの寿司はおいしいです。私もなるほどと思います。) – The sushi at this restaurant is tasty. I also think so.
- Example 3: Kono hon wa omoshiroi desu ne. Watashi mo naruhodo to omou. (この本は面白いですね。私もなるほどと思います。) – This book is interesting. I also think so.
Using this formal expression showcases your respect and politeness while still conveying the feeling of “also liking” something.
Regional Variations
While Japanese is primarily a homogeneous language, there are slight regional variations in how people convey the idea of “I also like” in certain dialects. One such example is the Kansai dialect, spoken in the Kansai region of Japan. Instead of the standard “watashi mo suki” or “watashi mo naruhodo to omou,” people in the Kansai region use the phrase “ore nimo suki” (俺にも好き) or “ore nimo naruhodo to omou” (俺にもなるほどと思う) respectively.
Example 1: Anime ore nimo suki ya. (アニメ俺にも好きや。) – I also like anime.
Example 2: Nihon no ongaku ore nimo naruhodo to omou. (日本の音楽俺にもなるほどと思う。) – I also think Japanese music is great.
Note that these regional variations should be used only if you are familiar with the dialect and the people you are conversing with.
Wrapping It Up
With this guide, you now possess the knowledge to express “I also like” in both formal and informal Japanese. In casual conversations, remember to use “watashi mo suki” to convey your liking for something. For more formal occasions, switch to “watashi mo naruhodo to omou” to express how you think and feel similarly. Additionally, we explored regional variations such as the Kansai dialect, where “ore nimo suki” and “ore nimo naruhodo to omou” can be used instead. Remember to use these regional variations cautiously, being aware of cultural differences.
Practice these phrases, embrace the warmth of Japanese culture, and enjoy expressing your likes in various settings. Soon, you will be able to connect with people from different backgrounds and share your common interests in their native language. Ganbatte ne! (がんばってね！) Good luck!
