Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Favoritism" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "favoritism", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
依怙贔屓
えこひいき (ekohiiki)
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 依怙贔屓 and 贔屓.
In Japanese, 依怙贔屓 (えこひいき (ekohiiki)) is typically associated with "favoritism; partiality; bias; discrimination" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to describe unfair favoritism shown towards a particular person or group, often implying negative connotations. It can be used as a noun or with する.
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 "依怙贔屓"
先生は特定の生徒に依怙贔屓をしていると、他の生徒が不満に思った。
Other students were dissatisfied, thinking the teacher was showing favoritism to a particular student.
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: "先生は特定の生徒に ＿＿＿ をしていると、他の生徒が不満に思った。" (Meaning: "Other students were dissatisfied, thinking the teacher was showing favoritism to a particular student.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "依怙贔屓" fits here because it means "favoritism; partiality; bias; discrimination" in the context of: "Other students were dissatisfied, thinking the teacher was showing favoritism to a particular student.". "贔屓" represents "favoritism; patronage; partiality".