Chinese word

爱

Pronunciation

Pinyinài

Meaning

  • verblove

Example

我很爱唱歌。wǒ hěn ài chàng gē

I really love singing.

Illustration for 爱 (love)

More examples

妈妈很爱你。mā mā hěn ài nǐ

Mom really loves you.

Core concept

Directing the heart toward someone or something over time, with care shown through time and action.

Common phrases

  • 爱你ài nǐ

    love you

  • 爱唱歌ài chàng gē

    love singing

  • 爱吃ài chī

    love eating

Similar words

喜欢xǐ huān: To like someone or something and want to spend time with or take part in it.

Definition in Chinese

表示将注意力和感情长期指向某人或某事，愿意为之付出时间或行动的动词，既可指亲情爱情，也可指对兴趣的热爱。biǎo shì jiāng zhù yì lì hé gǎn qíng cháng qī zhǐ xiàng mǒu rén huò mǒu shì yuàn yì wèi zhī fù chū shí jiān huò xíng dòng de dòng cí jì kě zhǐ qīn qíng ài qíng yě kě zhǐ duì xìng qù de rè ài

Word origin

The older form 愛 (ài, "love") includes 心 (xīn, "heart"), which gives a useful picture of feeling at the center of the word; the simplified form 爱 (ài, "love") has the same meaning.

Usage tips

  • For children, this word can describe a strong liking for a sport, song, or hobby, not only feelings between people.

Word lists with this word