1.
dear, beloved, affectionate
Expressing deep fondness and warm affection toward someone. Used formally to address or describe someone one holds dear. Most commonly appears in the set phrase 親愛なる (dear ~), used in letters and speeches.
親愛なる友へ。
To my dear friend.
親愛の情を込めて贈ります。
I send this with warm affection.
彼は親愛なる仲間たちに囲まれて幸せそうだった。
He looked happy, surrounded by his beloved companions.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 親愛なる～: dear ~ (used in letters, speeches, formal addresses)
- 親愛の情: feelings of affection
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 親愛なる友/友人: dear friend
- 親愛なる皆さん: dear everyone (opening of a speech or letter)
- 親愛を込めて: with affection
USAGE:
Most often used in the fixed pattern 親愛なる, which functions like English 'Dear ~' in letters and speeches. This is a formal and somewhat literary expression. In everyday speech, Japanese does not use direct terms of endearment as frequently as English — 親愛なる sounds deliberate and warm but formal.