好きです
suki desupolite, romantic
To a girl you like, say 好きです (suki desu). In Japan this is the standard word for a romantic confession, and 付き合ってください (tsukiatte kudasai), "please go out with me", often follows. It is also called 好きだよ (suki da yo).
Meaning: confessing romantic interest (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 好きです | suki desu | polite, romantic |
| 好きだよ | suki da yo | casual, romantic |
| 付き合ってください | tsukiatte kudasai | polite, confession |
A confession, called 告白 (kokuhaku), is usually direct. Many people say 好きです (suki desu) and wait for an answer instead of hinting.
Which one should you use?
If you only mean friendly liking, add context, for example 友達として好きだよ (tomodachi to shite suki da yo), "I like you as a friend".
Did you know?
- In Japanese dating culture, a clear 告白 (kokuhaku) usually marks the start of a relationship.
Examples in context
- ずっと前から好きでした。Zutto mae kara suki deshita.I have liked you for a long time.
- 好きです。付き合ってください。Suki desu. Tsukiatte kudasai.I like you. Please go out with me.
Example conversation
Haruto confesses to Sakura after school.
- Harutoサクラさん、話があるんだ。Sakura-san, hanashi ga aru n da.Sakura, I have something to say.
- Haruto好きです。Suki desu.I like you.
- Sakuraありがとう。私も好きです。Arigatō. Watashi mo suki desu.Thank you. I like you too.
