24 Japanese ways to say “I Like This”

Expressing “I like this” in Japanese can be as simple or as rich as you want it to be. Whether you’re chatting with friends, writing a message, or just feeling that warm glow of appreciation, there are lots of ways to say it.

From casual vibes to polite expressions, and even those super native, everyday phrases, each has its own flavor. Learning these can help you sound more natural and connect better with people.

Plus, knowing various ways to say “I like this” will give you more confidence in conversations and help you understand different contexts in Japanese culture.

So, whether you’re a beginner or just looking to add some flair to your Japanese, this list of 24 expressions will give you plenty of options.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore these phrases and see how you can sprinkle them into your daily chats.

Here’s to liking, loving, and enjoying Japanese in all its wonderful ways!

Understanding the Basics

Before we jump into the list, it’s good to know a simple phrase that’s the base for many expressions: 好き (すき, suki) – “like” or “love.”

This word is versatile and used everywhere, but Japanese offers many variations depending on context, formality, and nuance.

Getting comfortable with 好き is a great start before exploring other ways to say “I like this.”

If you want a handy guide for beginners, a beginner phrasebook is a great tool to have on hand.

These resources often break down phrases simply and help you practice effectively.

With that foundation, let’s jump into the variety of ways to say “I like this” in Japanese.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. これ好き！ (Kore suki!) – “I like this!”

This is the most straightforward and casual way to say “I like this.”

“これ” (kore) means “this,” and “好き” (suki) means “like.” Put them together, and you get a simple, cheerful expression.

Great for pointing out something you enjoy, like food, music, or clothes.

It’s direct and friendly—perfect for casual chats with friends.

If you want to be a bit cuter, you can add “だよ” (da yo) at the end for emphasis: これ好きだよ！

Use it often to sound natural and confident when sharing your likes.

2. これ、いいね！ (Kore, ii ne!) – “This is nice!”

This phrase literally means “this is good,” but it’s often used to express liking something.

“いい” (ii) means “good” or “nice,” and “ね” (ne) adds a friendly, confirming tone.

It’s casual and perfect for everyday conversations when you want to show approval.

Be careful not to confuse it with formal compliments—it’s more relaxed.

Example: “そのシャツ、いいね！” (Sono shatsu, ii ne!) – “That shirt is nice!”

Try saying this to show your appreciation in a light, friendly way.

3. 気に入った！ (Ki ni itta!) – “I liked it!”

“気に入った” is a past tense phrase meaning “I liked it” or “I’m pleased with it.”

“気に入る” (ki ni iru) means “to like” or “to be pleased with,” and the past tense “入った” (itta) shows it’s a recent feeling.

This is great after trying something new, like clothes or food.

It sounds natural and shows genuine enjoyment.

For a present tense, you can say “気に入ってる” (ki ni itteru), meaning “I like it now.”

Use this when you want to sound a bit more thoughtful about your liking.

4. 好きだよ！ (Suki da yo!) – “I like it!”

Here, adding “だよ” (da yo) softens and emphasizes your feeling.

“好き” (suki) alone is “like,” but “好きだよ” adds a friendly and warm tone.

This is perfect for close friends or loved ones.

A common mistake is to overuse “だよ” in very formal situations—save it for casual talk.

Example: “この映画、好きだよ！” (Kono eiga, suki da yo!) – “I like this movie!”

Use it to sound heartfelt and sincere in informal settings.

5. めっちゃ好き！ (Meccha suki!) – “I really like it!”

“めっちゃ” (meccha) is Kansai dialect for “very” or “really.”

When paired with “好き,” it intensifies your liking, like saying “I really like this!”

This phrase is super casual and popular among young people.

It’s great to show strong enthusiasm.

Be mindful that it’s informal and dialect-specific, so it might not suit formal conversations.

Try it with friends for a fun and lively vibe.

6. これ好きかも。 (Kore suki kamo.) – “I might like this.”

Adding “かも” (kamo) means “maybe” or “might,” so this phrase expresses a hesitant liking.

It’s a gentle way to say you’re starting to like something but aren’t 100% sure yet.

Perfect when trying new things or being polite about your feelings.

It’s less direct but still positive.

Example: “この味、好きかも。” (Kono aji, suki kamo.) – “I might like this taste.”

This phrase helps keep things casual and light while showing interest.

7. ちょっと好き。 (Chotto suki.) – “I like it a little.”

“ちょっと” (chotto) means “a little,” so this phrase softens your liking.

It’s useful when you want to be honest but modest about your feelings.

A polite and casual way to admit you like something but not too much.

Great for nuanced conversations or when you want to be careful.

Example: “この歌、ちょっと好き。” (Kono uta, chotto suki.) – “I like this song a little.”

Use this when you want to sound gentle and realistic.

8. 好きすぎる！ (Suki sugiru!) – “I like it too much!”

“すぎる” (sugiru) means “too much” or “excessively.”

Paired with “好き,” it expresses strong affection or obsession.

This phrase is playful and often used to exaggerate your feelings in a fun way.

Perfect for fans talking about their favorite things.

Example: “このゲーム、好きすぎる！” (Kono geemu, suki sugiru!) – “I like this game way too much!”

Use it to share your passion with energy and humor.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. これが好きです。 (Kore ga suki desu.) – “I like this.” (polite)

This is the polite version of “I like this.”

“これ” (kore) means “this,” “が” (ga) marks the subject, “好き” (suki) means “like,” and “です” (desu) adds politeness.

Great for formal conversations or when speaking to strangers, teachers, or elders.

It sounds respectful without being stiff.

Example: “この本が好きです。” (Kono hon ga suki desu.) – “I like this book.”

Use it to keep conversations courteous and clear.

10. とても好きです。 (Totemo suki desu.) – “I like it very much.” (polite)

“とても” (totemo) means “very” or “extremely.”

Combined with “好きです,” it expresses a strong liking politely.

Perfect when you want to sound sincere and respectful with enthusiasm.

It’s a clear, polite way to show deep appreciation.

Example: “この料理がとても好きです。” (Kono ryouri ga totemo suki desu.) – “I like this dish very much.”

Use it in formal settings when you want to compliment genuinely.

11. 大好きです。 (Daisuki desu.) – “I love this.” (polite)

“大好き” (daisuki) means “love” or “like a lot.”

This is a polite way of saying you really like or love something.

It’s stronger than just 好き but still polite with “です.”

Great for expressing your affection sincerely but respectfully.

Example: “この映画が大好きです。” (Kono eiga ga daisuki desu.) – “I love this movie.”

Use it for heartfelt compliments in polite company.

12. 気に入っています。 (Ki ni itte imasu.) – “I like it.” (polite, ongoing)

This phrase means “I am pleased with it” or “I like it now.”

“気に入る” (ki ni iru) means “to like,” and “〜ています” (-te imasu) shows ongoing action.

It’s polite and shows a current, ongoing liking.

Useful in customer service or formal feedback.

Example: “このデザインが気に入っています。” (Kono dezain ga ki ni itte imasu.) – “I like this design.”

Perfect for professional and respectful conversations.

13. これが気に入りました。 (Kore ga ki ni irimashita.) – “I liked this.” (polite, past)

This is the past polite form of “to like.”

It indicates you liked something after experiencing it.

Great for reviews, feedback, or polite compliments.

Example: “この料理が気に入りました。” (Kono ryouri ga ki ni irimashita.) – “I liked this dish.”

Helps you sound thoughtful and respectful.

Use it when reflecting on experiences politely.

14. 好んでいます。 (Konde imasu.) – “I like it.” (formal)

“好む” (konomu) is a formal verb meaning “to like” or “to prefer.”

“好んでいます” is the polite, ongoing form.

It’s uncommon in casual talk but useful in writing or formal speeches.

Example: “彼は和食を好んでいます。” (Kare wa washoku o kononde imasu.) – “He likes Japanese food.”

This phrase adds a refined tone to your liking.

Use it in formal or literary contexts.

15. 大変気に入っております。 (Taihen ki ni itte orimasu.) – “I like it very much.” (very formal)

This is a very formal and humble way to say you like something a lot.

“大変” (taihen) means “very” or “greatly,” and “おります” is a humble form of “います.”

Perfect for business letters or formal speeches.

Example: “弊社は御社の商品を大変気に入っております。” (Heisha wa onsha no shouhin o taihen ki ni itte orimasu.) – “Our company likes your product very much.”

Use it when you want to show deep respect.

Best saved for professional contexts.

16. 好感を持っています。 (Koukan o motte imasu.) – “I have a good feeling about this.” (formal)

This phrase literally means “I have a favorable impression.”

It’s a formal and indirect way to say you like something.

Useful when you want to sound polite and slightly reserved.

Example: “この企画に好感を持っています。” (Kono kikaku ni koukan o motte imasu.) – “I have a good feeling about this plan.”

Great for business or formal discussions.

Use it to express liking professionally without being too direct.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. これ、最高！ (Kore, saikou!) – “This is the best!”

“最高” (saikou) means “the best” or “awesome.”

It’s a very casual, enthusiastic way to show you love something.

Popular among young people and in pop culture.

Example: “このケーキ、最高！” (Kono keeki, saikou!) – “This cake is the best!”

Use it to hype up something you really enjoy.

Perfect for informal chats and social media.

18. めっちゃええやん！ (Meccha ee yan!) – “Super good!” (Kansai dialect)

This is a Kansai dialect phrase meaning “really good!”

“めっちゃ” (meccha) means “very,” and “ええやん” (ee yan) means “good, isn’t it?”

It’s very casual and friendly.

Example: “この服、めっちゃええやん！” (Kono fuku, meccha ee yan!) – “This clothes is super good!”

Great for sounding like a native from western Japan.

Use it with friends for a relaxed, fun vibe.

19. これ、好きやわ〜 (Kore, suki yawa~) – “I like this.” (casual Kansai)

“やわ” (yawa) is a soft sentence ending used in Kansai dialect to express gentle feelings.

Paired with “好き,” it sounds very casual and warm.

Example: “この曲、好きやわ〜” (Kono kyoku, suki yawa~) – “I like this song.”

Use it to add a regional flavor and softness to your liking.

Perfect for informal conversations with Kansai natives.

It conveys affection in a relaxed way.

20. これ、めっちゃ好き！ (Kore, meccha suki!) – “I really like this!”

This phrase is casual and enthusiastic.

“めっちゃ” (meccha) intensifies “好き” (like), making it “really like.”

Common among young speakers and informal chats.

Example: “このドラマ、めっちゃ好き！” (Kono dorama, meccha suki!) – “I really like this drama!”

Use it to show strong positive feelings in a friendly way.

It’s more expressive than just 好き.

21. 好きっす！ (Suki ssu!) – “I like it!” (very casual)

“っす” (ssu) is a very casual, shortened form of “です.”

It’s used mainly by young people in informal settings.

“好きっす” sounds cool and laid-back.

Example: “このラーメン、好きっす！” (Kono raamen, suki ssu!) – “I like this ramen!”

Use it when chatting with close friends or peers.

Avoid using it in formal situations.

22. これイケてる！ (Kore iketeru!) – “This is cool!”

“イケてる” (iketeru) means “cool” or “stylish.”

It’s a casual way to express liking something because it’s impressive.

Example: “この靴、イケてる！” (Kono kutsu, iketeru!) – “These shoes are cool!”

Great for praising style or appearance.

Use it to sound up-to-date with slang.

Perfect for casual compliments.

23. これ、めっちゃええ感じ！ (Kore, meccha ee kanji!) – “This feels really good!”

“ええ感じ” (ee kanji) means “good feeling” or “nice vibe.”

Adding “めっちゃ” (meccha) makes it “really good feeling.”

This phrase conveys liking through a positive vibe.

Example: “この場所、めっちゃええ感じ！” (Kono basho, meccha ee kanji!) – “This place feels really good!”

Use it to express liking through atmosphere or mood.

It’s casual and warm.

24. これ最高やん！ (Kore saikou yan!) – “This is awesome!” (casual Kansai)

A casual Kansai dialect phrase combining “最高” (saikou) meaning “the best” and “やん” (yan), a sentence ending for emphasis.

It’s a lively way to say you really like something.

Example: “このイベント、最高やん！” (Kono ibento, saikou yan!) – “This event is awesome!”

Use it to sound energetic and friendly among peers.

Great for celebrations and fun moments.

This phrase adds regional charm and excitement.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 24 ways to say “I like this” in Japanese opens a window to the language’s rich expressions and cultural nuances.

From polite forms to casual slang, each phrase helps you connect authentically with people in different settings.

Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be expressing your likes in Japanese with warmth, confidence, and a natural touch. Enjoy the journey!