Expressions you can use when explaining your favorites/hobbies/skills in Japanese

When introducing yourself or explaining something to someone in Japanese, what expressions should you use? Here are some useful Japanese phrases to remember when introducing yourself to someone you've never met or when explaining something to someone.

Japanese expressions to convey your favorites

“好き” (suki) is a convenient Japanese word to say what you like. When you want to say “I like something very much,” you express it as “大好き” (daisuki). “好き” (suki) is a convenient word to say your favorite food or your favorite singer. However, there is also a point to note when using this expression. “好き” (suki) also means "I love you" with affection. As a fan, it's not a problem to use it for your favorite actor or singer, but if you say “好き” (suki) to someone of the opposite sex with whom you have no romantic feelings, you may be mistaken for a confession.

Example

私は寿司が好きです。

Watashi wa sushi ga suki desu.

I like sushi.

Example

私はお肉料理が大好きです。

Watashi wa o niku ryōri ga daisuki desu.

I love meat dishes.

Then, how can you say that you don't like something in Japanese? When expressing “hate something” or “not good at something” in Japanese, you don't express your feelings as they are, but use gentle expressions like “好きではない” (sukide wa nai) or “苦手” (nigate). You can use “嫌い” (kirai) as an expression, but it's better not to use it because it gives the listener a cold impression. Be especially careful when using “嫌い” (kirai).

Example

私は根菜類が好きではありません。

Watashi wa konsai-rui ga sukide wa arimasen.

I don't like root vegetables.

Example

私は生魚が苦手です。

Watashi wa namazakana ga nigate desu.

I am not good at raw fish.

Japanese expressions to convey special skills

When expressing what you are good at, you can use “～が得意です” (～ ga tokui desu) or “特技は～です” (tokugi wa ～desu). However, some Japanese people are very humble and describe their specialties as “I am confident in what I do.” By using the expression that does not declare what you are good at, you can convey your skills without giving the impression of being arrogant. However, most people say, “～が得意です” (～ ga tokui desu), “～することが出来ます” (～ surukoto ga dekimasu), or “特技は～です” (tokugi wa ～desu), so you can use these expressions without worrying about that.

Example

僕は水泳が得意です。

Boku wa suiei ga tokui desu.

I am good at swimming.

Example

特技はお菓子を作ることです。

Tokugi wa okashi wo tsukuru koto desu.

My specialty is making sweets.

Example

私は英語に自信があります。

Watashi wa eigo ni jishin ga arimasu.

I am confident in English.

Japanese expressions to convey hobbies

When talking about one's hobbies, the word “趣味” (shumi) is often used. If you can't call it a hobby yet, but you've been enjoying it lately, you can use expressions like “最近ハマっていることは～です” (saikin hamatte iru koto wa ～desu), “最近～に興味を持っています” (saikin ～ ni kyōmi wo motte imasu), or “最近～を始めました” (saikin ～ wo hajimemashita).

Example

僕の趣味はゴルフです。

boku no shumi wa gorufu desu.

My hobby is playing golf.

Example

最近ハマっていることは料理です。

Saikin hamatte iru koto wa ryōri desu.

I'm into cooking these days.

Example

最近ヨガを始めました。

Saikin yoga wo hajimemashita.

I recently started yoga.

[日本のことが気になる？一緒に日本語を学びませんか？]

Let's talk about your impressions of life in Japan

When people who have lived in foreign countries find a job or move to Japan, one of the most common questions asked is “What do you think about living in Japan?” You may be asked in casual conversation, such as “Have you gotten used to life in Japan?” or “How is life in Tokyo?” Let's practice so that you can explain well!

Example

日本での生活は慣れました。

Nihon de no seikatsu wa naremashita.

I got used to life in Japan.

Example

北海道の生活は雪が沢山降るので、大変です。

Hokkaidō no seikatsu wa, yuki ga takusan furu node taihen desu.

Life in Hokkaido is difficult because it snows a lot.

Example

大阪府の生活は賑やかですごく楽しいです。

?sakafu no seikatsu wa nigiyakade sugoku tanoshī desu.

Life in Osaka is lively and very enjoyable.

Let's say in Japanese what Japanese culture you are interested in

When you are asked from a Japanese friend or colleague, such as “Why did you come to Japan?” or “What do you like about Japan?”, how can you answer it? If you can answer well, the conversation will be lively and you may become closer to Japanese people. If you have a chance to talk to Japanese people, we would like you to use these expressions, so please remember them!

Example

日本のアニメに興味があります。

Nihon no anime ni kyōmi ga arimasu.

I'm interested in Japanese anime.

Example

私は京都の街並みに興味を持っています。

Watashi wa Kyōto no machinami ni kyōmi wo motte imasu.

I am interested in the cityscape of Kyoto.

Example

僕は日本のお寿司が好きです。

Boku wa Nihon no o sushi ga suki desu.

I like Japanese sushi.

Useful indicator for describing something “これ” (kore)

There are many words in Japanese, so sometimes you don't know the names of things, do you? Even if you forget the name of the thing, you can use an indicator word to tell people. The indicator word “this/these” is “これ” (kore) in Japanese. You can order “I want this one.” or “I'll take these.”

In addition to “これ” (kore), there are “それ” (sore), which means “that/those,” and “あれ” (are), which means “that/those one(s) over there.” When you say “これ” (kore), you mean when the object is near you. “それ” (sore) is used to indicate something near the other party. “あれ” (are) is used when you point to something far from you. If the person you're talking to can't see what you're talking about, don’t use this expression as it will not be understood.

Example

これは私の日記です。

Kore wa watashi no nikki desu.

This is my diary.

Example

これを二つください。

Kore wo futatsu kudasai.

Please give me two of these.

Example

これは何円ですか？

Kore wa nan-en desu ka?

How much is this?

In addition to the expressions introduced here, there are many other ways to communicate your feelings and thoughts in Japanese to someone else! Why don't you study Japanese more and learn to speak various expressions in Japanese?

If you want to study Japanese right away, why don't you sign up for a free membership to Human Academy Japanese Language School Plus. You can experience practical Japanese lessons by experienced teachers for free.