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
贔屓
ひいき (hiiki)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "favoritism" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ひいき and 贔屓.
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, 贔屓 (ひいき (hiiki)) maps to "favoritism; patronage; partiality" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Showing special favor, support, or partiality towards a particular person, group, or thing, often to the exclusion of others. Can be positive. 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 "贔屓"
彼はいつもあの選手を贔屓している。
He always shows favoritism towards that player.
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.". "贔屓" represents "favoritism; patronage; partiality".