好き
私は猫が好きです。
I like cats.
To feel affection or enjoyment toward something or someone; to have a preference for.
彼は音楽が好きです。
He likes music.
私は暖かい天気が好きです。
I like warm weather.
Used to express personal preference or fondness. Often followed by が (ga) to mark the object of affection.
To be in love with someone.
彼女は彼が好きです。
She loves him.
Implies romantic affection when used in this sense.
To be fond of doing something; to enjoy an activity.
私は読書が好きです。
I like reading.
Follows the pattern [activity]が好きです.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Expressing Likes vs. Loves
好き (suki) means 'like,' while 愛する (aisuru) means 'love' in a romantic or deep emotional sense. Use 好き for general preferences and 愛する for strong romantic feelings.
Gold Rule
Object Marking
Always use が (ga) to mark the object of liking (e.g., 私は寿司が好きです). Never use を (wo) in this context.
Word Origin
From Old Japanese すき (suki), originally meaning 'good' or 'pleasing.' Evolved to mean 'liking' or 'affection' in Middle Japanese.
Usage Notes
好き is a na-adjective and must be followed by です (desu) in polite speech. In casual speech, it can stand alone (e.g., これ好き！). The object of liking is marked with が (ga).