When does 好き mean "like" and "love"?

[-悪魔-]

I've seen 好き used for both liking someone and loving someone... such as if I say メーリちゃんが好きです, does that mean I love mary or like mary? Its an important difference I need to figure out...

[Elizabeth]

Well, alright, if the impact on your life and well-being is going to be that crucial.....better check this out first :bluush:

http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2826&highlight=love+japanese+suki

[-悪魔-]

Thanks, that thread answered my question quite well.

[Elizabeth]

Of course you can still use "suki" for like as well....it just depends on the context and your intonation/expression, really.