Japanese word

気に入る

Pronunciation

Romajikiniiru

Meaning

  • verblike

Example

この絵が気に入りました。ko no e ga ki ni i ri ma shi ta

I like this picture.

Illustration for 気に入る (like)

More examples

私は新しい帽子を気に入っています。watashi wa atara shi i bō shi o ki ni i tte i ma su

I like my new hat.

Core concept

気に入る (ki ni iru) describes something that fits a person's feelings well enough to win their approval.

Common phrases

  • 一目で気に入るhito me de ki ni i ru

    like at first sight

Similar words

好むkonomu: To have a liking for something and often choose it.

Definition in Japanese

ある物事を好ましいと思い、心にかなう。a ru mono goto o kono ma shi i to omo i kokoro ni ka na u

Word origin

The expression 気に入る (ki ni iru) is formed from 気 (ki, "feeling") and 入る (iru, "enter"), suggesting that a pleasing thing enters and fits one's feelings.

Usage tips

  • The subject of 気に入る (ki ni iru) is the thing that pleases someone, so この絵が気に入りました (kono e ga ki ni irimashita) means that the picture pleased the speaker, with the speaker left unstated.

Opposites

Related words

  • お気に入りokinihairifavoritenoun

Word lists with this word