How to Say ‘Like (to like)’ in Japanese
が好き
ga suki
[gah skee]
💬 Usage Tip: Pattern: [N/Verbこと + が好き]. It literally means "X is liked," but translates as "I like X."
🇯🇵 In Japan: Saying only "I like it" can sound a bit casual in interviews; often you add a work-related angle (e.g., how it helps performance).
Phrase Breakdown
が
ga
[gah]
(subject marker)
Particle marking the subject, often used with 好き/上手/苦手. 人と話すことが好き = “I like talking with people.”
人と話すことが好きです。
I like talking with people.
好き
suki
[skee]
like; fond of
Adjectival noun meaning “to like.” Often used to express preferences and motivation in interviews.
人と話すことが好きなので営業職に興味があります。
Because I like talking with people, I’m interested in sales roles.
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