What does it mean word for word?
The word 大好き literally means "big like", combining dai (big/great) and suki (like).
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the types of love expressed by different words. 大好き is typically used for hobbies, food or things you are fond of. In contrast, 愛しています is a much heavier and more profound expression used for deep emotional or romantic love, such as between family members or romantic partners. For a casual way to say you are "in love" with someone, you can use 恋してるよ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For informal situations, you can use 大好きだよ to express affection to close friends or family or the form 大好きだ.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 何かが大好きです, the particle が marks the thing that is loved, rather than the person doing the loving.
How do you pronounce it?
nanika ga daisuki desu
Did you know?
- While English speakers use the verb 'to love', the word 好き is actually a 'na-adjective' meaning 'likable'. In Japanese, you aren't 'loving' the object, but stating that the object 'is likable' to you.
- In many romantic contexts, Japanese speakers avoid 愛しています and 大好き entirely. They often use 好き 'I like you' to mean 'I love you' because direct expressions of love are traditionally considered too intense.
- The word 大好き is frequently used by fans to describe their obsession with an idol or character. This specific type of 'love' is often called 推し 'oshi', referring to the person they support and adore.
Examples in context
- このレストランが大好きです。I love this restaurant.
- 彼を心から愛しています。I love him with all my heart.
- この映画、すごく大好きだよ！I really love this movie!
- あなたに恋してるよ。I'm in love with you.
- 本当に日本が大好きです。I really love Japan.
- この曲はとても好きです。I really like this song.
- 映画が好きです。I love movies.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Yamato are talking about their hobbies.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さんは、何が好きですか？Yamato-san wa, nani ga suki desu ka?Yamato, what do you like?
- 大翔 Hiroto私は映画が好きです。陽葵さんは？Watashi wa eiga ga suki desu. Hiyori-san wa?I like movies. How about you, Hiyori?
- 陽葵 Himari私は何かが大好きです。Watashi wa nanika ga daisuki desu.I love something.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは何ですか？Sore wa nani desu ka?What is it?
