How to Say “I like” in Chinese
Feelings and opinions · HSK 1
"I like" in Chinese is 我喜欢 (wǒ xǐ huān). 我喜欢 (wǒ xǐhuān) is the neutral "I like" used for activities, food, and people. The object goes directly after: 我喜欢咖啡 (I like coffee).
Primary translation
我喜欢
wǒ xǐ huān
Traditional: 我喜歡
When to use it
我喜欢 (wǒ xǐhuān) is the neutral "I like" used for activities, food, and people. The object goes directly after: 我喜欢咖啡 (I like coffee). For stronger "love", use 爱 (ài) sparingly — Chinese speakers reserve 爱 for romantic partners, family, and deep affection; casual English "I love pizza" in Chinese is usually 我很喜欢披萨 (I really like pizza), not 我爱披萨.
Example sentences
我喜欢中国菜。
Wǒ xǐhuān Zhōngguó cài.
I like Chinese food.
我不喜欢早起。
Wǒ bù xǐhuān zǎoqǐ.
I do not like getting up early.
你喜欢什么音乐？
Nǐ xǐhuān shénme yīnyuè?
What kind of music do you like?