What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 絵 (e), which means picture or painting. 描く (kaku), the verb meaning to draw or to paint. And the particle の (no), which is a nominalizer that turns the verb 描く into a noun phrase so that it can function as the object of the word 好き (suki), meaning like.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 絵を描くのが好きです uses the desu ending, making it polite and suitable for most social situations involving strangers or acquaintances. For an informal or plain style, you can replace desu with da to say 絵を描くのが好きだ.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle の (no) is essential in this construction to act as a nominalizer, turning the verb 描く into a noun phrase that can be followed by the particle が (ga).
How do you pronounce it?
e o kaku no ga suki desu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying 絵を描くが好きです. English speakers often mistakenly omit the nominalizer の between the verb and the particle が.
When do people say it?
If you wish to ask someone else about their interests, you can ask Nani o suru no ga suki desu ka?, which means "What do you like to do?"
Did you know?
- The verb 描く is used for drawing and painting, but the verb 書く is used for writing. Although they are pronounced the same as 'kaku', they use entirely different kanji characters.
- When talking about drawing, Japanese people may use the term お絵描き (o-ekaki). The お prefix and the kaki ending make the activity sound more cute or child-like.
- In Japanese, the subject 'I' (わたし – watashi) is often omitted entirely. If you simply say 絵を描くのが好きです, it is understood that you are talking about yourself based on the context.
Examples in context
- 私は絵を描くのが好きです。I like to draw pictures.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say "I like to draw pictures."Tatoeba #157925 by tommy_san, translation #256602 by CK
- 暇な時は、絵を描くのが好きです。Hima na toki wa, e o kaku no ga suki desu.In my free time, I like to draw.
- 子供の頃から、絵を描くのが好きです。Kodomo no koro kara, e o kaku no ga suki desu.I have liked to draw since I was a child.
Example conversation
Himari and Yota are talking about their hobbies.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵さんは、何をするのが好きですか？Himari-san wa, nani o suru no ga suki desu ka?Himari, what do you like to do?
- 陽葵 Himari私は絵を描くのが好きです。Watashi wa e o kaku no ga suki desu.I like to draw.
- 陽太 Yotaすごいですね！どんな絵を描きますか？Sugoi desu ne! Donna e o kakimasu ka?That's amazing! What kind of pictures do you draw?
- 陽葵 Himari動物の絵をよく描きます。Doubutsu no e o yoku kakimasu.I often draw animals.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
