が 好き (Liking Verbs)
Learn how to express your preferences and hobbies using the adjective 好き.
Sharing your interests
When meeting new people in Japan, one of the most common topics is talking about what you like. Whether it is food, music, or hobbies, you will frequently need a way to express your preferences.
The structure of liking
In Japanese, 'like' is not a verb, but a na-adjective. Because it describes a state of being, we use the particle が to mark the object of our affection.
Tip
Seeing it in action
Here are common ways to use this structure.
私は寿司が好きです。
I like sushi.
読書が好きです。
I like reading.
映画を見ることが好きです。
I like watching movies.
私は猫【が】好きです。
Hint: The particle that marks the object of a liking adjective.
I like cats.
Nuance and usage
While 好き is very common, there are subtle ways to adjust the intensity.
Intensity levels
大好き
Really like / Love
猫が大好きです。
好き
Like
猫が好きです。
Which particle is correct for the object of 'like'?
- を
- ✓ が
- は
- に
好き is an adjective, so it takes the particle が to mark the object.
Advanced notes
A few extra details for when you want to be more specific.
Negative forms
Lesson Summary
You have learned how to use 好き to express preferences. Remember to use が to mark the object of your liking, and use の or こと to turn verbs into nouns when necessary.