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Tag: suki meaning
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Expressing Likes and Dislikes γγ and γγγ in Japanese | My Language Classes
Likes and Dislikes in Japanese
γγγ«γ‘γ―οΌ(Konnichiwa!)
Learning how to express preferences is one of the most useful and fun parts of mastering Japanese. Today, letβs dive into two essential words: ε₯½γ (γγ) for “like” and ε«γ (γγγ) for “dislike.” Not only will we explore their meanings, but also how to use them naturally in sentences.
1. ε₯½γ (γγ) β To Like
How to Use ε₯½γ
The word ε₯½γ means “like” or “fond of” and is commonly used to express your preferences. The structure is simple:
Noun + γε₯½γ
This translates to “I like [noun].”Examples:
- ζ₯ζ¬θͺγε₯½γγ§γγ
Nihongo ga suki desu.
I like Japanese.- Here, ζ₯ζ¬θͺ (Nihongo) means “Japanese,” and γ marks it as the topic you like. Adding γ§γ makes it polite.
- η¬γε₯½γγ
Inu ga suki.
I like dogs.- This informal version is common among friends or in casual settings.
Expressing Love or Passionate Likes
To emphasize your love or deep passion for something, you can use 倧ε₯½γ (γ γγγ/daisuki):
- γγ§γ³γ¬γΌγγ倧ε₯½γγ§γοΌ
ChokorΔto ga daisuki desu!
I love chocolate!
2. ε«γ (γγγ) β To Dislike
How to Use ε«γ
On the flip side, ε«γ means “dislike” or “hate.” The structure is the same as ε₯½γ:
Noun + γε«γ
This means “I dislike [noun].”Examples:
- γγΆγε«γγ§γγ
Piza ga kirai desu.
I dislike pizza.- γγΆ (Piza) means “pizza.” While itβs a popular dish, some people might find it too greasy!
- θ«γε«γγ
Mushi ga kirai.
I hate insects.- θ« (Mushi) refers to “insects.” Use this informal structure with friends.
Expressing Strong Dislike
If you strongly dislike something, you can say 倧ε«γ (γ γγγγ/daikirai):
- ι¨γ倧ε«γγ§γοΌ
Ame ga daikirai desu!
I hate rain!
3. Cultural Notes
- “Softer Tone for Dislikes”: In Japanese culture, direct expressions of dislike like ε«γ might come off as too strong in some situations. To soften it, you can use phrases like:
- γγΎγε₯½γγγγͺγ (Amari suki janai) β “I donβt really like [it].”
- γ‘γγ£γ¨θ¦ζγ§γ (Chotto nigate desu) β “Iβm a bit bad with [it].”
- Overuse of ε₯½γ: While ε₯½γ is positive, saying it too often might sound insincere. Balance your expressions to match the context.
4. Grammar and Nuance Tips
- No Verb Needed:
Both ε₯½γ and ε«γ function as γͺ-adjectives, not verbs. This means they donβt need any conjugation or additional verbs to form basic sentences.Example:- Correct: η«γε₯½γγ§γγ (Neko ga suki desu. – “I like cats.”)
- Incorrect: η«γε₯½γγγ§γγ (Neko ga suki wo desu. – This is ungrammatical.)
- γ (Ga) vs. γ― (Wa):
Although γ is standard for these structures, γ― can be used for contrast or emphasis:- η¬γ―ε₯½γγ§γγγη«γ―ε«γγ§γγ
Inu wa suki desu ga, neko wa kirai desu.
I like dogs, but I dislike cats.
- η¬γ―ε₯½γγ§γγγη«γ―ε«γγ§γγ
5. Practice Time!
Letβs put what youβve learned into action. Try completing these sentences:
- η§γ― ______ γε₯½γγ§γγ
(Watashi wa ______ ga suki desu.)- Translate: “I like ______.”
- ειγ― ______ γε«γγ§γγ
(Tomodachi wa ______ ga kirai desu.)- Translate: “My friend dislikes ______.”
- ______ γ―倧ε₯½γγ§γοΌ
(______ wa daisuki desu!)- Translate: “I love ______!”
6. Wrap-Up
Now you can confidently express what you like and dislike in Japanese! Start practicing by talking about your favorite foods, hobbies, and activities. Try to notice how native speakers use ε₯½γ and ε«γ in conversationsβit will deepen your understanding.
If you have questions or want to share your sentences, feel free to leave a comment below!
γγγ§γ―γγΎγγοΌ(Soredewa, matane!)If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Donβt forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.
Happy learning! π
- ζ₯ζ¬θͺγε₯½γγ§γγ