それが好き
sore ga suki
The English phrase "I like that" is translated into Japanese as それが好き (sore ga suki).
The phrase is used to express a general preference or fondness for a specific thing. To intensify an expression of liking in an informal setting, you can use めっちゃ好き.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sore (that), the particle ga (subject marker) and suki (like/fond of).
How does it change in a sentence?
You can adjust the level of politeness by adding different endings. Adding desu to the end of sore ga suki creates the polite version それが好きです, which is suitable for most social situations. Adding da to the end of sore ga suki creates the plain or casual version それが好きだ, which is often used in casual speech or writing.
How do you pronounce it?
sore ga suki
Did you know?
- The word suki is written with the kanji 好, which contains the radical for 'woman' (女). This reflects an ancient linguistic association between preference and femininity.
- If you want to say you 'dislike' that, you cannot simply add a negative prefix to suki. You must use a completely different word, kirai, meaning 'hateful'.
- In romantic contexts, suki is often used to say 'I love you'. The stronger word daisuki is used for intense affection, while aishiteru is rarely used and considered overly dramatic for daily life.
Examples in context
- この歌、すごく好きだ！I really like this song!
- このゲーム、めっちゃ好き！I really, really like this game!
- それが好き。Sore ga suki.I like that.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Himari are looking at clothes in a store.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの青いシャツはどう？Kono aoi shatsu wa dou?What do you think of this blue shirt?
- 陽葵 Himariいいと思う！私はそれが好き。Ii to omou! Watashi wa sore ga suki.I think it's great! I like that one.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当？じゃあ、これにしようかな。Hontou? Jaa, kore ni shiyou kana.Really? Then maybe I'll go with this one.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、大翔に似合ってるよ。Un, Hiroto ni niatteru yo.Yeah, it looks good on you, Hiroto.
