両方好きです
ryouhou suki desu
In Japanese, "I like both" is expressed as 両方好きです (ryouhou suki desu).
This phrase is used to express that a person enjoys or prefers two different things equally. The term 両方 (ryouhou) is used specifically when referring to exactly two items or options.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 両方 (ryouhou) literally means "both sides" or "both directions".
Which one should you use?
While the default form is 両方好きです, you may encounter other variations. For example, Watashi wa futatsu tomo suki desu is a formal way to say "I like both", whereas Boku wa ryōho ga suki da and Ore wa futatsu tomo suki da are informal versions.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the level of formality by altering the ending. Replacing the polite desu with the plain form da makes the phrase informal, such as in 両方好きだ. In casual conversation, the copula desu or da is often dropped entirely, leaving just ryouhou suki.
How do you pronounce it?
ryouhou suki desu
Did you know?
- If you use 両方好き while pointing to two people, it can be interpreted as a romantic confession of liking both of them.
- In Japan, using 両方好きです when asked to choose a favorite can be a social strategy to maintain harmony and avoid offending anyone by picking just one option.
- The Tokyo district 'Ryogoku', famous for its sumo wrestlers, uses the character 両 to signify the 'two sides' of the river.
Examples in context
- 私は犬も猫も両方好きです。I like both dogs and cats.This sentence demonstrates the use of 両方好きです to express liking both dogs and cats.Tatoeba #157288 by Sim5634, translation #28947 by CK
- コーヒーと紅茶、両方好きです。kōhī to kōcha, ryōhō suki desu.I like both coffee and tea.
- 夏と冬、両方好きです。natsu to fuyu, ryōhō suki desu.I like both summer and winter.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Kenta are deciding which dessert to order.
- 陽葵 Himariケーキとプリン、どっちがいい？Kēki to purin, dotchi ga ii?Which do you prefer, cake or pudding?
- 健太 Kentaうーん、僕は両方好きです。Ūn, boku wa ryōhō suki desu.Hmm, I like both.
- 陽葵 Himariじゃあ、シェアしようか。Jaa, shea shiyō ka.Then, shall we share?
- 健太 Kenta賛成！そうしよう。Sansei! Sō shiyō.I agree! Let's do that.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
