1
愛
Love, Affection
いとしい (itoshii)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
The kanji 愛 is one of the most famous Japanese characters worldwide. Unlike the casual 'love' often used in English, 愛 usually represents deep affection, devotion, and lasting emotional bonds.
Memory Trick
Imagine a heart hidden inside a person who carefully protects it because it contains their deepest love. The complex shape of 愛 reminds us that true love is powerful and layered.
Readings
Onyomi: アイ (ai)
Kunyomi: いとしい (itoshii)
Example Words
愛
あい (ai)
Love
恋愛
れんあい (renai)
Romantic love
愛情
あいじょう (aijou)
Affection
母性愛
ぼせいあい (boseiai)
Motherly love
Example Sentence
家族への 愛 は とても 大切です。
かぞくへの あい は とても たいせつです。
kazoku e no ai wa totemo taisetsu desu
Love for family is very important.