More Than Just “Like” or “Dislike”: Expressing Feelings in Japanese

When you first start learning Japanese, one of the earliest words you pick up is probably suki (好き, “like”) and kirai (嫌い, “dislike”).

But here’s the fun part—Japanese has way more ways to express your feelings than just those two.

Let’s dive into some colourful expressions that go beyond the simple “like” and “dislike.”

-Variations of “Like”-

Of course, a simple suki desu (“I like it”) works perfectly fine.

But depending on the nuance you want, there are lots of alternatives that can make your Japanese sound more natural and more fun.

💖 1. Daisuki (大好き)

This is the supercharged version of suki. It is like “I absolutely love it!” or “I’m crazy about it!”

　・Inu ga daisuki desu. → “I really love dogs.”

　・Kono eiga ga daisuki de, nando mo mimashita. → “I love this movie so much, I’ve watched it many times.”

☕ 2. Kini itte iru (気に入っている)

A softer, calmer way to say you like something—often used for things or places.

　・Kono kafe no fun’iki ga kiniitte iru. → “I really like the vibe of this café.”

　・Kono baggu wa totemo kiniitte imasu. → “I’m fond of this bag.”

📚 3. Muchū ni naru (夢中になる)Used when you’re so into something you forget everything else.

　・Saikin wa dokusho ni muchū desu. → “Lately, I’m totally into reading.”

　・Gēmu ni muchū de yofukashi shite shimaimashita. → “I was so into my game that I ended up staying up late.”

🎧 4. Hamaru (ハマる)

Casual, trendy, and often used by younger people. It’s like saying “I’m hooked on it.”

　・Saikin, kono kyoku ni hamatte imasu. → “I’m really into this song right now.”

　・Kono gēmu ni hamatte yamemarenai. → “I’m hooked on this game—I can’t quit!”

✨ 5. Hikareru (惹かれる)

A bit more refined and emotional—used when something deeply attracts or moves you.

　・Kono e ni hikaremashita. → “I was drawn to this painting.”

　・Kare no kangaekata ni hikaremasu. → “I’m really attracted to his way of thinking.”

🌟 6. Okiniiri (お気に入り)

A handy noun form that means “favourite.”

　・Kore wa watashi no okiniiri no kyoku desu. → “This is my favourite song.”

🙌 7. Oshi (推し)/Oshite iru (推している)

This is a modern favourite in Japanese pop culture! It’s all about the person, idol, or character you’re actively supporting.

　・Watashi wa kono āthisuto o oshite imasu. → “I support this artist.”

　・Ima wa kono kyara ga oshi desu. → “This character is my fave right now.”

-Softer Ways to Say “Dislike”-

What if you don’t like something, but you don’t want to sound harsh?

🌶 1. Nigate (苦手)

Often used for food, activities, or skills you’re not good at. It’s softer than kirai.

　・Karai mono wa nigate desu. → “I’m not good with spicy food.”

　・Watashi wa undō ga nigate desu. → “I’m not good at sports.”

😅 2. Amari suki janai (あまり好きじゃない)

Literally “I don’t really like it.” A nice, gentle way to say you’re not a fan.

　・Nattō ga amari suki janai desu. → “I’m not really into natto.”

🤔 3. Maamaa (まあまあ) / Bimyō (微妙)

These words sit somewhere between “like” and “dislike”—perfect for expressing indifference.

　・Kono eiga wa maamaa kana. → “This movie was just okay.”

　・Aji wa chotto bimyō deshita. → “The taste was kind of… meh.”

As you can see, Japanese offers tons of subtle ways to express your feelings.

It’s not just suki and kirai—you can fine-tune your emotions and make your conversations sound way more natural.

So next time, instead of just saying “I like it,” try one of these expressions.

You’ll sound more fluent, and your Japanese will feel more alive!👍

Manae