Love in Japanese
"love" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
愛
ai
3 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "love". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
愛 is the broad word: love of a person, a family, a country, a craft. 恋 is narrower and hotter — romantic longing for one particular person, with the ache of not having them. The pair gives Japanese 恋愛 for romantic love. 慕 is looking up to someone you love from below, the affection of a student for a teacher.
Top pick
love, affection
Reading: ai
13 strokes · beautiful, peaceful
Where it comes from
Composed of look back, heart, and foot. Heart looking back while feet stop.
What it carries
Love, compassion, devotion. Represents unconditional emotion and deep care for others.
Related kanji for "love"
love
ren · peaceful
Combines 'also' (亦) with 'heart' (心), depicting a heart torn in two thinking of another. Simplified from 戀.
love
bo · peaceful
Composed of not and heart. Heart yearning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for love?
The most common kanji for "love" is 愛, read as ai. It means love, affection. Related kanji: 恋 (love), 慕 (love).
How many strokes does 愛 have?
愛 has 13 strokes.