Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Favoritism" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "favoritism", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ひいき
ひいき (hiiki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
依怙
いこ (iko)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "favoritism" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ひいき and 依怙.
In Japanese, ひいき (ひいき (hiiki)) is typically associated with "favoritism, partiality, patronage, support" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can refer to unfairly showing preference to someone.
On the other hand, 依怙 (いこ (iko)) maps to "favoritism; partiality; bias" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 「依怙」は「依怙贔屓（えこひいき）」という形で使われることが多く、特定の人や物に対して不公平な好意や偏見を持つことを指します。ネガティブなニュアンスで使われます。. A literal translation of "favoritism" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ひいき"
彼はあのチームをひいきにしている。
He favors that team.
Bilingual Context for "依怙"
彼の判断には依怙が感じられる、と批判された。
He was criticized for his judgment, which was perceived to show favoritism.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はあのチームを ＿＿＿ にしている。" (Meaning: "He favors that team.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ひいき" fits here because it means "favoritism, partiality, patronage, support" in the context of: "He favors that team.". "依怙" represents "favoritism; partiality; bias".