How do you say "I like cooking." in Japanese?

"I like cooking." in Japanese is "料理が好きです。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

What does "料理が好きです。" mean in English?

"料理が好きです。" means "I like cooking." in English. Usage tip: Same pattern as [読書が好きです]. You can add: [家で料理をします] “I cook at home.”

🙋👍🍳

How to Say ‘I like cooking.’ in Japanese

料理が好きです。

ryouri ga suki desu

[ryoh-ree gah soo-kee dess]

💬 Usage Tip: Same pattern as [読書が好きです]. You can add: [家で料理をします] “I cook at home.”

🇯🇵 In Japan: In interviews, this hobby can imply patience and planning—nice subtle “soft skills” without bragging.

Phrase Breakdown

料理

ryouri

[ryoh-ree]

cooking; cuisine

A hobby topic. You can add specifics: 和食を作るのが好きです (I like making Japanese food).

Example

自己紹介で料理が好きですと言います。

In my self-introduction, I say, “I like cooking.”

が

[gah]

subject marker

Marks what you like: 料理が好きです = "I like cooking."

Example

料理が好きです。

I like cooking.

好きです

suki desu

like; be fond of

Polite way to say you like something. Often used in self-introductions.

Example

甘いものが好きです。

I like sweet things.

Words in this phrase

好き

suki

[soo-kee]

like; fond of

Expresses liking. Appropriate and polite for interview conversation.

Example

料理が好きですので、段取りを大切にします。

Because I like cooking, I value planning and procedure.

です

desu

[dess]

to be (polite)

Polite ending used in interviews.

Example

料理が好きです。

I like cooking.

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