好きです
suki desu
The English phrase "i like you" is expressed in Japanese as 好きです (suki desu).
好きです is the standard way to express romantic feelings and is often used as a direct way to say "I love you" in a dating context. To express stronger affection or deep friendship, you can use 大好き, which means "I really like you" or "I love you." For a more intimate expression used between close friends or individuals in an intimate relationship, the phrase Kimi ga suki can be used.
Meaning: I like you (phrase)
Which one should you use?
While 好きです is the standard, you can make the expression more profound by adding のこと (no koto) after the person you like.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version of 好きです is 好きだ. In casual settings, the copula (desu) is frequently dropped, leaving only 好き. To make the sentiment feel more focused on the person's entire being rather than just a specific quality, you can use the structure あなたのことが好きです (anata no koto ga suki desu).
How do you pronounce it?
suki desu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-translate "I love you" as 愛しています (aishiteimasu). However, this is an extremely heavy expression that is rarely used in daily life compared to 好きです.
Did you know?
- The word 好き is grammatically an adjective meaning 'likable' rather than a verb. When you say 好きです, you are technically describing the other person as being 'likable'.
- In Japanese culture, a direct confession of love is often called a kokuhaku, which literally means 'confession'. This formal ritual is a common way to officially start a relationship rather than just expressing a feeling.
- In many romantic contexts, Japanese speakers prefer to use the person's name instead of the word 'you' (anata). Using 'anata' can actually sound distant or even confrontational in a sensitive moment.
Examples in context
- あなたのことが大好きです。I like you very much.This sentence is useful for expressing that you like someone very much using 好きです.Tatoeba #1452394 by bunbuku, translation #257095 by CK
- 好きです。付き合ってください。I like you. Please go out with me.This sentence is useful for a romantic confession using 好きです.Tatoeba #4153670 by tommy_san, translation #13572531 by CK
- 好きです。I like you.This sentence is useful for a simple declaration of liking someone using 好きです.Tatoeba #3697521 by ii_desu, translation #410751 by CK
- 「好きです！」I like you!
- 「大好き！」I love you!
- 「友達だけど、好きだよ！」We're friends, but I like you!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A quiet park during sunset.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くんのことが、好きです。Kenta-kun no koto ga, suki desu.I like you, Kenta.
- 健太 Kenta本当？僕も、陽葵さんのことが好きです。Hontou? Boku mo, Himari-san no koto ga suki desu.Really? I like you too, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari嬉しい！Ureshii!I'm so happy!
- 健太 Kentaこれからも、よろしくね。Kore kara mo, yoroshiku ne.I look forward to our future together.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
