What Does "Okini" Mean? Explaining How It's Used & Related Expressions

Today, we’re going to explain the meaning of a slightly unusual Japanese slang term: "Okini." If you use this with someone who understands Japanese, you might just get a smirk out of them!

What is "Okini"?

"Okini" (オキニ / お気に) is an abbreviation of the word "okiniiri" (お気に入り). In English, it translates roughly to "fav" (favorite). It refers to a person, object, or method that you (or someone else) particularly like and show favoritism toward.

In What Context Is Okini Used?

You can use "okini" in various situations and conversations like the ones below:

• "The skirt I’m wearing today is my okini!"
• "You’re definitely getting special treatment because you’re the teacher’s okini."
• "This traditional inn is the best! It’s my new okini."

When using it in an English sentence, expressions like "This is my okini (fashion)" or "You are her okini (person)" feel quite natural from a Japanese speaker's perspective.

Is Okini Polite or Casual?

Since "okini" is an abbreviation of "okiniiri," it has a very casual ring to it.

It isn't suitable for formal business settings or when speaking to someone you need to show great respect to. However, it’s not inherently rude, per se. Using it in relaxed conversations with Japanese people will give you a bit of a "seasoned" vibe, making you sound more like a local.

Usage in Idol and Band Fandoms

Rock group on stage / Photo AC

Among fans of Japanese idols and bands, the term "okini" refers specifically to a fan who is favored by the performer (essentially, the performer's "favorite"). The reasons vary—ranging from good manners and attractive looks to having a compatible personality or simply being a frequent attendee—and it doesn't necessarily imply romantic feelings. Whether or not someone is actually an okini is almost always based on the fans' own observations and speculation.

Conversely, a fan who is disliked is called an "okira." The reasons for this also vary; sometimes the performer is just maintaining distance to avoid problematic behavior, or it might just be a one-sided assumption by the fan.

Unlike okini, okira is not a widely used slang term in general society. You’ll likely only hear it within limited circles like idol or band fandoms.

Japanese Words/Slangs Similar to Okini

While the use of "okini" is slightly declining these days (with people often just saying "okiniiri" instead), here are some Japanese words that can be used in a similar way.

Teiban (定番)

This carries the nuance of "the usual" or "the go-to pattern." It isn't always used in a positive context.

Aiyou (愛用)

This means "fondly using something." It’s a "teiban" phrase often seen in advertisements, such as "The serum fondly used (aiyou) by that actress" or "Reccomended software that I fondly use (aiyou)."

Generally, it is a word used for objects.

Hiiki (贔屓)

This means "giving special treatment" or "prioritizing one choice over others." It’s used with the nuance of choosing this specific thing out of many options, such as in the phrase "A shop I frequent (hiiki ni shiteiru mise)."

However, if you use it regarding people, for example: "He is playing favorites with you (kare ha kimi wo hiiki shite iru)," it can sound a bit bitter or sarcastic.

Oshi (推し)

Originally, this word meant "to actively recommend" or "to push forward" (e.g., "pushing forward a policy").

Over the last few years, the term "oshi-mem" (the member of an idol group you support most) emerged in the idol otaku community. This was further shortened to "oshi," which then spread beyond the idol industry to become a standard otaku term.

Among young people, it’s used for celebrities, influencers, characters, or anyone they admire, used in phrases such as: “He is my oshi!”

Sukipi (すきぴ)

This is a very casual expression for a person you are fond of, used primarily by young women. In most cases, it refers to a lover or a crush. It’s more common to use "oshi" for idols or artists you admire—unless, of course, you’ve developed genuine romantic feelings for them...