Japanese word

贔屓

Pronunciation

Romajihiiki

Meaning

  • nounfavoritism

Example

先生の贔屓は、すぐに分かります。sen sei no hiiki wa su gu ni wa ka ri ma su

The teacher's favoritism is easy to notice.

Illustration for 贔屓 (favoritism)

More examples

採用では個人的な贔屓を避けるべきです。sai yō de wa ko jin teki na hiiki o sa ke ru be ki de su

Personal favoritism should be avoided in hiring.

Core concept

It describes support directed especially toward one person or side, often more warmly than toward others.

Common phrases

  • 贔屓目に見るhiiki me ni mi ru

    view favorably

  • 贔屓にするhiiki ni su ru

    favor

  • 贔屓が過ぎるhiiki ga su gi ru

    show excessive favoritism

Similar words

愛顧aiko: Favorable attention and continued support given to a person, shop, or service.
肩入れkataire: Support for a particular person or side in a dispute or competition.
身びいきmibiiki: Favorable treatment given to one's own family, group, or close associates.
偏愛henai: Strong and often unbalanced affection for a particular person, thing, or activity.

Definition in Japanese

特定の人や一方に対して、ほかより強く好意を示して支えること。toku tei no hito ya ip pō ni tai shi te ho ka yo ri tsuyo ku kō i o shime shi te sasa e ru ko to

Word origin

贔屓 (hiiki) comes from the Chinese term bìxì, formed with 贔 (hi, "great strength") and 屓 (ki, "exerting strength") for a dragon son associated with carrying heavy loads.

Usage tips

  • The English word favoritism is often critical, but 贔屓 (hiiki) may refer positively to loyal support for a performer, business, or team.

Other meanings

  • favornoun
  • patronagenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 贔屓するhiikisurufavorverb

Word lists with this word