いいね
ii ne
In Japanese, the phrase "I like it" is expressed as いいね (ii ne).
いいね is used to show approval or a positive reaction to something. While it literally translates to "That is good," it is the standard way to express "I like it" when responding to a thing, an idea or a suggestion.
Which one should you use?
While いいね functions as a reaction to an idea or object, other ways to express liking include Suki desu (好きです) for a straightforward "I like it," or the more intense Daisuki desu (大好きです) which is comparable to saying "I love it." In casual settings, Suki (好き) can be used as an informal version of Suki desu (好きです) and Kirai janai (嫌いじゃない) can be used to express casual liking by stating "I don't dislike it."
How do you pronounce it?
ii ne
When do people say it?
In the context of Japanese social media, such as Facebook, いいね is the standard term used for the "Like" button.
Did you know?
- While いいね is used for things, expressing a like for a person often requires 好きです, as いいね can sound like you are judging the person's quality or value rather than feeling affection for them.
- While most people assume いいね comes from the adjective 'good', it can also be interpreted as a noun phrase meaning 'good value' by combining the verb 'to say' and 'price'.
- Because いいね is so casual, using it to express 'I like it' toward a superior or a customer could be seen as being too blunt or even rude.
Examples in context
- それいいね。トムも気に入ると思うよ。I like it. I think Tom does, too.This sentence shows how to use いいね to express that you like something and to suggest that someone else will like it too.Tatoeba #10798017 by small_snow, translation #10587702 by shekitten
- Sono hon ga suki desu (その本が好きです)I like that book.
- Supōtsu ga suki desu (スポーツが好きです)I like sports.
- Anata no uta ga daisuki desu (あなたの歌が大好きです)I love your singing.
- Watashi wa sakura o miru no ga daisuki desu (私は桜を見るのが大好きです)I love seeing cherry blossoms.
- Ano resutoran no ebi furai suki (あのレストランのエビフライ好き)I like the shrimp fry at that restaurant.
- Chiisai inu ga suki da yo (小さい犬が好きだよ)I like small dogs.
- Ee, sore suki (ええ、それ好き)Yeah, I like that.
- Ano ongaku wa kirai janai yo (あの音楽は嫌いじゃないよ)I don't dislike that music.
- そのデザイン、いいね。Sono dezain, ii ne.I like that design.
- この曲、すごくいいね！Kono kyoku, sugoku ii ne!I really like this song!
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are looking at a photo of a new cafe.
- 蓮 Renこのカフェ、雰囲気がいいね。Kono kafe, fun'iki ga ii ne.I like the atmosphere of this cafe.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね！素敵だよ。Hontou da ne! Suteki da yo.It really is! It's lovely.
- 蓮 Ren今度、一緒に行かない？Kondo, issho ni ikanai?Want to go together sometime?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、ぜひ行きたい！Un, zehi ikitai!Yes, I'd love to go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries いいね, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
