お気に入り
okiniiri[o̞kʲiɲ̟iiɾʲi]
The Japanese phrase for something is your favorite is お気に入り (okiniiri).
お気に入り functions as a noun meaning "a favorite thing." It is also commonly used in digital contexts to refer to a "favorite" or a "bookmark" on a website or an app.
Which one should you use?
While お気に入り functions as a noun meaning "a favorite," if you want to use an adjective or verb phrase to express that you like something the most, the phrase 一番好き is more common.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "It is my favorite" in a polite way, you add the copula です to the noun, forming お気に入りです.
Did you know?
- While お気に入り describes a favorite object, the word 推し (oshi) is used for a favorite idol or character. This term implies you are actively 'pushing' or supporting that person's success.
- Japanese has a specific term 十八番 (ohako) for a 'favorite' performance or song. This refers to a person's 'go-to' specialty that they are most confident in performing.
- The word 気 in お気に入り refers to 'spirit' or 'energy'. To say something is a favorite, the Japanese language literally describes the object as having entered your spirit.
Examples in context
- これは私のお気に入りです。Kore wa watashi no okiniri desu.This is my favorite.
- この曲は彼女のお気に入りです。Kono kyoku wa kanojo no okiniri desu.This song is her favorite.
- お気に入りのカフェはどこですか？Okiniri no kafe wa doko desu ka?Where is your favorite cafe?
Example conversation
Daigaku and Yui are looking at a cafe menu.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、おすすめのメニューはある？Yui, osusume no menyū wa aru?Yui, do you have any recommendations?
- 結衣 Yuiこのカフェラテが私のお気に入りだよ。Kono kaferate ga watashi no okiniiri dayo.This caffe latte is my favorite.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいな。じゃあ、僕もそれにしよう。Ii na. Jaa, boku mo sore ni shiyou.Nice. Then I'll have that too.
- 結衣 Yui大翔ならきっと気に入ると思うよ。Daigaku nara kitto kiniiru to omou yo.I think you'll definitely like it, Daigaku.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry お気に入り, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
