好き
Like, Fond of
Structure
Explanation
The word 好き, meaning 'likeable', is a very frequent な-Adjective that appears in many kinds of sentences. All な-Adjectives share a trait with verbs: their form alters based on what follows them in the sentence.
For 好き, it is followed by な when it modifies a noun, and by either だ (plain) or です (polite) when it functions as the predicate. The form it takes is determined by whether it is describing a noun that follows it, or if it is completing the sentence on its own.
- 妹は犬が好きだ。My younger sister likes dogs. (To her, dogs are likeable)
- お客さんは赤いワインが好きです。The customer likes red wine. (Red wine is preferable, to them)
- 兄が好きな音楽を聞く。I listen to the music that my older brother likes. (The music that is likeable, to him)
In the sentences ending with だ, 好き makes a direct statement that something is 'liked'. In the sentence using な, however, 好き functions as a descriptor, attributing the quality of 'being liked' to the noun that it modifies.
Caution
Be aware that when used to describe a person, 好き carries a significant emotional weight and often suggests romantic interest. 大好き is an even more powerful expression, frequently translated as 'love'.
- あなたのことが大好きだよ！I'm in love with you!
Examples
本当に好き？
Do you really like (it)?
うん、大好きだ。
Yeah, I love (it).
好きな食べ物がありますか。
Is there any food that you like?
はい、寿司が好きです。
Yes, I like sushi.
この車が好きですか。
Do you like this car?
どれが好きですか。
Which one do you like?
私は猫が好きです。
I like cats.
彼女は韓国の音楽が好き。
She likes Korean music.
好きな動物は何？
What animal do you like?
パンダが好き。
I like pandas.
好きな科目は何ですか。
What subject(s) do you like?
好きな科目は数学と理科です。
The subjects that I like are math and science.