The Kanji for Love (愛) in Japanese: Meaning, Usage, and Cultural Significance
The concept of love is deeply rooted in Japanese language and culture, and the kanji for love (愛) is one of the most beautiful and meaningful symbols in Japanese writing. Whether you’re learning Japanese, interested in calligraphy, or considering a tattoo, understanding the kanji for love will deepen your appreciation of the language.
In this guide, we’ll explore the love kanji (愛), its stroke order, meanings, and common words that use it.
The Kanji for Love: 愛 (Ai)
Meaning and Composition
The kanji for love is 愛 (ai), which represents deep love, affection, and caring. Unlike some English words that separate different kinds of love, 愛 (ai) can refer to:
- Romantic love ❤️
- Family love 🏡
- Self-love and deep affection 💖
The structure of 愛 consists of several radicals that contribute to its meaning:
- ⺤ (Heart radical) – Represents emotions and feelings.
- 夂 (Foot radical) – Symbolizes movement or action, as love often requires effort.
- 冖 (Cover radical) – Suggests protection, showing love as nurturing and safe.
Together, these elements beautifully represent love as an emotional, active, and protective force.
Stroke Order for 愛
If you want to write the kanji 愛 correctly, follow the proper stroke order:
- Start with the 冖 (top radical), drawing the covering shape.
- Draw the 夂 (foot radical) in the lower section.
- Complete the heart radical (⺤) in the center.
✅ Why learn stroke order?
- It improves handwriting and helps you remember kanji better.
- It ensures that your kanji looks natural when written.
Common Words Using 愛 (Ai)
The kanji for love (愛) is used in many Japanese words related to emotions, relationships, and affection. Here are some of the most common:
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 愛する | aisuru | To love (romantic or deep love) |
| 恋愛 | ren’ai | Romantic love |
| 愛情 | aijō | Affection, emotional attachment |
| 自己愛 | jikoai | Self-love |
| 家族愛 | kazoku ai | Family love |
| 永遠の愛 | eien no ai | Eternal love |
愛 vs. 恋: What’s the Difference?
In Japanese, there are two main kanji used for love:
- 愛 (Ai) – Represents deep, unconditional love (family love, long-term love, or strong affection).
- 恋 (Koi) – Represents romantic, passionate love, often in the early stages of a relationship.
🔹 Example:恋愛 (ren’ai) combines 恋 (romantic passion) and 愛 (deep love), meaning “romantic love”.
The Kanji for Love in Japanese Culture
1. Love in Japanese Calligraphy and Tattoos
The kanji 愛 (ai) is a popular choice for tattoos, art, and calligraphy because of its deep meaning and beautiful structure.
📌 Tip: If you’re considering a tattoo, consult a native Japanese speaker to ensure the writing and meaning are correct!
2. Love in Japanese Expressions
Here are some common Japanese love phrases using 愛 (ai):
💖 愛してる (Aishiteru) – “I love you.” (Romantic, deep love)
💖 あなたを愛しています (Anata o aishiteimasu) – “I love you.” (Formal)
💖 永遠の愛 (Eien no ai) – “Eternal love.”
💖 愛の力 (Ai no chikara) – “The power of love.”
How to Learn Kanji Faster with Migaku
Learning kanji like 愛 (ai) can be challenging, but Migaku makes it easier by allowing you to study real-world Japanese content like anime, manga, and YouTube videos. With interactive subtitles, smart flashcards, and vocabulary tracking, you can learn kanji in a fun and effective way.
🚀 Start mastering kanji today with Migaku!
