Japanese word

恋

Pronunciation

Romajikoi

Meaning

  • nounlove

Example

姉は恋をしています。ane wa koi o shi te i ma su

My older sister is in love.

Illustration for 恋 (love)

More examples

その歌を聞くと、昔の恋を思い出します。so no uta o ki ku to mukashi no koi o omo i da shi ma su

When I hear that song, I remember an old love.

Core concept

Refers to the feeling of being emotionally drawn to a particular person with romantic affection and longing.

Common phrases

  • 恋に落ちるkoi ni o chi ru

    fall in love

  • 恋の相手koi no ai te

    love interest

  • 恋の悩みkoi no naya mi

    romantic troubles

Similar words

愛ai: A broad feeling of strong affection for someone, including family members and close friends.
恋愛renai: The experience of romantic love between people, often as part of a relationship.

Definition in Japanese

ある相手を特別に思い、会いたい、親しくなりたいと願う気持ち。a ru ai te o toku betsu ni omo i a i ta i shita shi ku na ri ta i to nega u ki mo chi

Word origin

The native Japanese noun 恋 (koi, "love") is related to 恋う (kou, "to long for"), linking romantic love with personal yearning.

Usage tips

  • English borrowed koi from Japanese for an ornamental carp, while 恋 (koi, "romantic love") is a different Japanese word with the same sound.

Related words

Word lists with this word