1.
favorite, preferred thing
Something one likes especially well, such as a favorite item, place, or brand.
お気に入りのカフェ。
My favorite café.
この靴はお気に入りだ。
These shoes are my favorite.
お気に入りの曲をプレイリストに入れた。
I added my favorite songs to the playlist.
2.
favorite person, pet, darling
A person who is especially liked or favored by someone, such as a teacher's pet or a boss's favorite employee.
彼女は社長のお気に入りだ。
She is the president's favorite.
先生のお気に入りになりたい。
I want to become the teacher's favorite.
あの子はみんなのお気に入りで、いつも注目されている。
That kid is everyone's favorite and always gets attention.
Literally '気に入る' (to take a liking to) with the polite prefix お. Often used as a modifier: お気に入りの + noun.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- お気に入りの〜: one's favorite ~
- お気に入りに登録する: to bookmark/add to favorites (web/apps)
- お気に入りに入れる: to add to favorites
NUANCE: In sense 2, calling someone お気に入り can imply favoritism and may carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting unfair preferential treatment.