Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Like" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "like", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
好き
すき (suki)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
気に入る
きにいる (ki ni iru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "like" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 好き and 気に入る.
In Japanese, 好き (すき (suki)) is typically associated with "like, fond of" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents な-adjective.
On the other hand, 気に入る (きにいる (ki ni iru)) maps to "to like, to be pleased with, to take a fancy to" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Expresses that one is pleased with something or takes a liking to it. Used when something meets one's preference or taste.. A literal translation of "like" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "好き"
私は猫が好きです。
I like cats.
Bilingual Context for "気に入る"
このレストランの雰囲気がとても気に入りました。
I really liked the atmosphere of this restaurant.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は猫が ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "I like cats.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "好き" fits here because it means "like, fond of" in the context of: "I like cats.". "気に入る" represents "to like, to be pleased with, to take a fancy to".