愛(あい)らしい

あいらしい
i-adjective
lovely, charming, endearing
1. lovely, charming, endearing, adorable
Describes something or someone that is charmingly cute and inspires affection. Has a refined, slightly literary quality compared to the more casual かわいい.
愛(あい)らしい笑顔(えがお)だ。
What a lovely smile.
庭(にわ)に愛(あい)らしい花(はな)が咲(さ)いている。
Charming flowers are blooming in the garden.
子猫(こねこ)が小(ちい)さな手(て)で毛糸(けいと)の玉(たま)を転(ころ)がす姿(すがた)は、実(じつ)に愛(あい)らしかった。
The sight of the kitten batting a ball of yarn with its tiny paws was truly endearing.

FORMS:

  • Predicate: 愛(あい)らしい
  • Modifier: 愛(あい)らしい + noun
  • Adverbial: 愛(あい)らしく
  • Noun form: 愛(あい)らしさ (loveliness, charm)

USAGE:
愛(あい)らしい is a more refined and literary alternative to かわいい. It implies a gentle, delicate charm that inspires affection. Often used for small children, small animals, flowers, and other things that evoke tenderness.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 愛(あい)らしい: lovely, endearing (refined, literary quality)
  • かわいい: cute (everyday, broad usage)
  • 愛(いと)おしい: dear, precious (deeper emotional attachment)
  • 可憐(かれん)な: sweet, delicate (emphasizes fragile beauty)

Related Words

Synonym: かわいい (cute)
general
Added 2026.2.22 14:49
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