What does it mean word for word?
The expression breaks down as follows: これ (kore) means "this" and refers to an object near the speaker. 私のお気に入り (watashi no oki'niiri) means "my favorite," where お気に入り (oki'niiri) is a noun meaning "favorite" or "something one has chosen as a preference". The particle の (no) connects 私 (watashi) to the noun to create the possessive "my."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual speech with friends, you can shorten the phrase significantly to これ、お気に入り！ While お気に入り is a noun meaning "favorite," a very common and natural way to express that something is your favorite in polite conversation is to use the verb phrase これが一番好きです (I like this best).
How does it change in a sentence?
To create the possessive "my favorite," the particle の is used to connect 私 (watashi) to the noun お気に入り (oki'niiri).
How do you pronounce it?
kore ga watashi no oki'niiri desu
Did you know?
- The word お気に入り comes from the verb 気に入る, which literally means 'to enter one's spirit'. It suggests that the object has physically entered your heart or soul.
- While お気に入り is a noun, Japanese speakers often use the word 推し (oshi) to describe a 'favorite' person or character they actively support or idolize.
- In the digital age, the word お気に入り is the standard Japanese term used for 'bookmarks' or 'favorites' in web browsers and social media apps.
Examples in context
- これが一番好きだ。This is my favorite.
- 実は、これが私のお気に入りです。Jitsu wa, kore ga watashi no okiniiri desu.Actually, this is my favorite.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are looking at a collection of postcards.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、どの絵が好きですか？Kenta-san, dono e ga suki desu ka?Kenta, which picture do you like?
- 健太 Kentaこれが私のお気に入りです。Kore ga watashi no okiniiri desu.This is my favorite.
- 美咲 Misakiいい色ですね！Ii iro desu ne!It's a nice color!
- 健太 Kentaはい、とても綺麗です。Hai, totemo kirei desu.Yes, it is very beautiful.
