Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson is all about love, or like, at least. If you love manga, this lesson will teach you how to express your feelings...in Japanese!

There was a pretty shocking cliffhanger in Nisekoi when the newest addition to the cast dropped the “L” word. As if Raku didn’t already have too many options...

SUKI (すき)

This word can actually be a little difficult to translate when it appears in manga. The reason being that based on the context, it can mean anything from “like” to “love.” It basically means “romantic feelings” or “a crush” when used to describe another person. This word isn’t limited to people though—feel free to use it on whatever you like. Chocolate, pizza, manga, long walks on the beach. Go ahead and SUKI all of them!

Yui likes Raku too?! Wait... All the girls like Raku! And now he has a really tough choice to make. Why doesn’t Shu get any love?

This week’s Naruto chapter shows that Sakura doesn’t have the most ambitious goals, but hey, at least she knows what she likes!

DAISUKI (だいすき)

You think you like manga? Well, that’s nothing. I love manga so much that my emotions can only be described by the Super Saiyan version of SUKI, DAISUKI! You know things are serious when this word gets thrown around. Poor Rin’s rival in love in Blue Exorcist is his more mature twin brother! Does he stand a chance? Come on, Shiemi, how can you say no to a cute boy with a tail?!

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