Most learners have two settings: like and don't like. English has a spectrum, and using it makes you sound considerably more fluent.

From strongest to weakest

  • "I love…"
  • "I'm really into…"
  • "I'm quite fond of…"
  • "I quite like…"
  • "I don't mind…"
  • "I'm not keen on…"
  • "I'm not a fan of…"
  • "I can't stand…"

"I don't mind" is genuinely useful — it means acceptable but not preferred, and English speakers use it constantly.

The grammar

  • like + -ing: "I like swimming." (general enjoyment)
  • like + to: "I like to check my email first." (a habit or preference)
  • would like + to: "I'd like to visit Japan." (a want, not a like)

"I like coffee" and "I'd like a coffee" mean very different things. The second is an order.

Preferences

  • "I prefer tea to coffee." — note to, not than
  • "I'd rather walk than take a taxi." — rather takes the base verb
  • "I'd sooner not, if that's alright."

Being non-committal politely

  • "It's not really my thing."
  • "I could take it or leave it."
  • "I'm easy either way."
  • "Whatever suits you."

Asking

  • "Are you into cricket?"
  • "What do you make of it?"
  • "Which would you rather?"
"I'm not a fan of it" is the most useful mild negative in English. It signals dislike without sounding harsh about someone else's choice.