好きだよ
suki da yocasual, romantic
To a boy the most common way to say it is 好きだよ (suki da yo), "I like you" in a loving tone. The stronger 愛してる (aishiteru) is saved for very serious moments. It is also called 大好きだよ (daisuki da yo).
Meaning: expressing love (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 好きだよ | suki da yo | casual, romantic |
| 愛してる | aishiteru | strong, romantic |
| 大好きだよ | daisuki da yo | casual, warm |
Japanese couples use 好き (suki) far more than 愛してる (aishiteru). 大好き (daisuki) adds "very much" and sounds warm and sincere.
How does it change in a sentence?
The words are the same for a boy or a girl. A man might say 好きだ (suki da) in a plain style, and a woman is more likely to say 好きだよ (suki da yo) or 好き (suki).
When do people say it?
Many Japanese people say 愛してる (aishiteru) rarely or never in daily life, so using it can feel dramatic.
Did you know?
- The verb 愛する (ai suru) is a relatively formal word, which is why 愛してる (aishiteru) sounds weighty in everyday speech.
Examples in context
- ずっと好きだよ。Zutto suki da yo.I have always liked you.
- 大好きだよ、本当に。Daisuki da yo, hontō ni.I really love you.
Example conversation
Mio and her boyfriend Ren walk home after a festival.
- Mio今日は楽しかったね。Kyō wa tanoshikatta ne.Today was fun.
- Renうん。ミオ、好きだよ。Un. Mio, suki da yo.Yes. Mio, I love you.
- Mio私も大好き。Watashi mo daisuki.I love you too.
