Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Core Preference Pattern
好き and きらい behave like descriptive words. The thing you like or dislike is commonly marked with が. This pattern is one of the most common ways to talk about preferences in beginner Japanese.
Target signal
わたしは ねこが すきです。
I like cats.
The liked thing is usually marked by が.
Vocabulary notes
- すきです
- like; am fond of
- わたし
- I; me
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Compare in context
姉は コーヒーが きらいです。
My older sister dislikes coffee.
きらい uses the same core pattern as 好き.
Vocabulary notes
- きらいです
- dislike; do not like
- コーヒー
- coffee
- きらい
- disliked; dislike
Compare in context
音楽が すきです。
I like music.
The subject can be omitted when it is already clear.
Vocabulary notes
- すきです
- like; am fond of
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
- 音楽
- music
Section 2 of 3
Asking About Preferences
To ask about preferences, use 何が好きですか or ask about a category such as どんな 音楽が 好きですか. Answer with a noun + が 好きです.
Target signal
何が すきですか。
What do you like?
何が asks about the liked item itself.
Vocabulary notes
- すきですか
- what do you like?; do you like…?
- すきです
- like; am fond of
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Preview
サッカーが すきです。
I like soccer.
A noun + が すきです is the standard answer.
Vocabulary notes
- サッカー
- soccer
- すきです
- like; am fond of
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Preview
どんな 本が すきですか。
What kind of books do you like?
どんな asks for a type or category, not one item only.
Vocabulary notes
- すきですか
- what do you like?; do you like…?
- すきです
- like; am fond of
- どんな
- what kind of
Section 3 of 3
Reading in Context
Preference sentences appear in profiles, classroom interviews, and self-introductions. Look for が after the liked thing and notice whether the writer is giving one item or several.
Target signal
わたしは くだものが すきですが、バナナは あまり すきでは ありません。
I like fruit, but I do not like bananas very much.
すきですが introduces contrast before the second preference.
Vocabulary notes
- くだもの
- fruit
- すきです
- like; am fond of
- あまり
- not very; not much
Preview
弟は べんきょうが きらいです。
My younger brother dislikes studying.
Activities can also be treated as liked or disliked things.
Vocabulary notes
- きらいです
- dislike; do not like
- べんきょう
- study; studying
- きょう
- today