Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Favoritism" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "favoritism", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
依怙
いこ (iko)
N1 / 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 依怙 and 贔屓.
In Japanese, 依怙 (いこ (iko)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "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.
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: "彼の判断には ＿＿＿ が感じられる、と批判された。" (Meaning: "He was criticized for his judgment, which was perceived to show favoritism.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "依怙" fits here because it means "favoritism; partiality; bias" in the context of: "He was criticized for his judgment, which was perceived to show favoritism.". "贔屓" represents "favoritism; patronage; partiality".