好きな人
suki na hito
The English phrase "my crush" is translated into Japanese as 好きな人 (suki na hito).
好きな人 refers to a person that someone is romantically attracted to. In Japanese, the possessive "my" is often omitted because the context of the speaker's feelings is implied.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 好き (suki), meaning "like", な (na), a particle used to connect adjectives to nouns and 人 (hito), meaning "person".
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English "crush", which can imply a one-sided or secret infatuation, 好きな人 is a broader term that can describe anyone you currently have feelings for.
How does it change in a sentence?
好きな人 is gender-neutral and can refer to a person of any gender.
How do you pronounce it?
suki na hito
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, expressing your feelings to your 好きな人 is often referred to as 告白 (kokuhaku). While it translates to 'confession', it is a standard, formal social ritual used to officially start a relationship.
- In romantic contexts, 好き (suki) is often used as a shorthand for 'I love you' because the more intense word 愛してる (aishiteru) is considered too heavy for daily use.
- If a crush is someone you cannot reach, such as a celebrity, the term 推し (oshi) is frequently used by younger generations. While it originally meant 'to support' or 'to recommend', it now describes the person you are most devoted to.
Examples in context
- 私の気になる人 は、とても素敵な人です。My crush is a wonderful person.
- 私の気になる人 が、先月日本に引っ越してしまいました。My crush moved to Japan last month.
- どうしたら気になる人にアプローチできるでしょうか？How can I approach my crush?
- ずっと前から好きな人がいます。Zutto mae kara suki na hito ga imasu.I have had a crush for a long time.
- 実は、好きな人ができたんだ。Jitsu wa, suki na hito ga dekita n da.Actually, I have a crush now.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are talking at a cafe.
- 蓮 Ren最近、何かいいことあった？Saikin, nani ka ii koto atta?Has anything good happened lately?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、実は好きな人ができたんだ。Un, jitsu wa suki na hito ga dekita n da.Yeah, actually, I have a crush.
- 蓮 Ren本当？誰なの？Hontou? Dare na no?Really? Who is it?
- 結衣 Yui内緒だよ！Naisho da yo!It's a secret!
