1.
love
A deep feeling of affection.
愛している。
I love you.
母の愛
A mother's love
彼は家族への愛を大切にしている。
He values his love for his family.
愛する人のためなら、どんなことでもしたいと思う。
I would do anything for the person I love.
親の愛は無条件で、子供がどんな失敗をしても変わらないものだ。
A parent's love is unconditional and doesn't change no matter what mistakes their child makes.
愛 refers to deep, enduring love, often with a literary or elevated feel compared to everyday expressions like 好き.
COMPARISON:
- 愛: profound love (literary, philosophical)
- 恋: romantic love, passion, infatuation
- 好き: like, love (casual, everyday)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 愛している: I love you (strong declaration)
- 愛を込めて: with love
- 愛する人: beloved person, loved one
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 愛情: affection, love
- 恋愛: romantic love, romance
- 愛着: attachment, fondness
- 母性愛: maternal love
USAGE NOTE:
愛している is a serious, committed expression of love. In everyday conversation, 好き or 大好き is more common for expressing affection.