好きだよ
suki da yocasual, romantic
To a girl, 好きだよ (suki da yo) is the usual way to say "I love you", and 大好きだよ (daisuki da yo) is warmer. 愛してる (aishiteru) is the strongest form.
Meaning: expressing love (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 好きだよ | suki da yo | casual, romantic |
| 大好きだよ | daisuki da yo | warm, romantic |
| 愛してる | aishiteru | strong, romantic |
Japanese speakers say 好き (suki) for both "like" and "love". The ending だよ (da yo) is a casual, direct tone that men commonly use.
How does it change in a sentence?
The wording is the same for a girl and a boy. Add her name before it, as in サクラ、好きだよ (Sakura, suki da yo).
When do people say it?
愛してる (aishiteru) is mostly used in proposals, songs and drama, so everyday love is expressed with 好き (suki).
Did you know?
- A famous way to hint at love without the word is 月が綺麗ですね (tsuki ga kirei desu ne), "the moon is beautiful".
Examples in context
- サクラ、大好きだよ。Sakura, daisuki da yo.Sakura, I love you.
- これからもずっと好きだよ。Korekara mo zutto suki da yo.I will keep loving you.
Example conversation
Haruto speaks to his girlfriend Sakura on a night walk.
- Haruto今日は星がきれいだね。Kyō wa hoshi ga kirei da ne.The stars are beautiful tonight.
- Sakuraうん。Un.Yes.
- Harutoサクラ、好きだよ。Sakura, suki da yo.Sakura, I love you.
