Japanese word

愛

Pronunciation

Romajiai

Meaning

  • nounlove

Example

家族への愛は大切です。ka zoku e no ai wa tai setsu de su

Love for family is important.

Illustration for 愛 (love)

More examples

その絵には作者の愛が表れています。so no e ni wa saku sha no ai ga arawa re te i ma su

The artist's love shows in the painting.

Core concept

Describes a deep feeling of care and attachment toward a person, group, or thing.

Common phrases

  • 愛を込めるai o ko me ru

    put love into ___

  • 愛を感じるai o kan ji ru

    feel love

Similar words

愛情aijō: A warm feeling of care and attachment toward someone or something.
愛着aichaku: A strong emotional bond with a person, place, or thing formed through familiarity or experience.

Definition in Japanese

人や物を深く大切に思い、いつくしむ気持ち。hito ya mono o fuka ku tai setsu ni omo i i tsu ku shi mu ki mo chi

Word origin

愛 (ai, "love") is a Sino-Japanese borrowing from Chinese 愛, using one character whose established meaning is love.

Usage tips

  • 愛 (ai, "love") appears in compounds such as 愛犬 (aiken, "pet dog"), where it marks something cherished rather than romantic love.

Other meanings

  • affectionnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word