愛
Meaning in Englishlove, affection
Animated kanji stroke order
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Word context
What it means
愛 means "love" in Japanese: a deep emotional attachment or strong affection that can be directed toward people, objects, ideals, or activities; it implies care, devotion, and an enduring bond often invoked in literary, moral, and personal contexts.
Main meanings
- Strong, enduring affection distinct from casual liking; often carries moral or committed overtones.
- Abstract devotion or passion for concepts, art, country, or work rather than strictly interpersonal feeling.
- Compassionate or benevolent love emphasized in religious or ethical texts.
- Base element in compound words indicating fondness, preference, or devoted practice.
How to use it
Used both as a standalone noun and inside compounds or as a verb with 愛する (aisuru); common in written, formal, and literary contexts while everyday spoken Japanese often prefers 好き (suki) for 'like'; appears on product names, personal names like the given name 愛 (Ai), and in philosophical or religious discussions to express deep care or devotion.
Variants and close terms
- 好き (suki) — like; milder affection
- 恋 (koi) — romantic love, passion
- 愛情 (aijō) — affection, emotional attachment
- 慈愛 (jiai) — benevolent, parental love
- 憎しみ (nikushimi) — hatred (antonym)
Composition
The character 愛 visually combines elements that suggest action or hands above with the 心 (heart) component beneath, conveying the idea of holding, cherishing, or embracing the heart—an image that underpins the concept of love.
Origin
The character arrived in Japan with Chinese writing (kanji) during the early centuries of Japanese literacy; it appears in classical Buddhist texts and Heian-period literature where its emotional and ethical senses were articulated, later becoming part of personal names, poetic diction, and modern vocabulary.
Word class
noun (名詞), -suru verb (サ変動詞)