Grammar JLPT Level N5 - Lesson 9

Structure of のが好(す)き:

Verb［る］+ の + が + 好(す)き + だ

Details about のが好(す)き:

～のが好(す)き is a common construction that is used in Japanese to express that you like/love doing something. This particular expression is used with the plain (dictionary) form of verbs only.

私(わたし)は映画(えいが)を見(み)るのが好(す)き。
I like watching movies.
私(わたし)はプレゼントを貰(もら)うのが好(す)きです。
I like to receive gifts.

In these examples, we can see that there is no difference between Ichidan verbs and Godan verbs. Both will be used in their plain forms. In this expression, のが is performing the same function as in the regular のは or のが construction. This function is nominalization (turning a phrase into a noun). However, のは may not be used with this phrase, as が will always appear with adjectives.

のが好(す)き

Usage Notes for のが好(す)き:

If you want to express that you liked doing something (in the past), the verb will still remain in the plain form, but 好(す)き will change to past tense.