1.
enthusiast; lover of; aficionado
A person who has a deep appreciation or fondness for a particular thing, hobby, or field. More refined and formal than ファン or マニア.
彼はワインの愛好家だ。
He is a wine enthusiast.
音楽愛好家が集まるコンサートに行ってきた。
I went to a concert where music enthusiasts gathered.
この地域には自然愛好家が多く、野鳥観察や登山を楽しんでいる。
There are many nature enthusiasts in this area who enjoy birdwatching and hiking.
USAGE:
愛好家 is a suffix-like noun that attaches to the object of enthusiasm. It carries a respectable, cultured nuance — suggesting genuine appreciation rather than obsession.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 音楽愛好家 (music lover)
- 自然愛好家 (nature lover)
- 動物愛好家 (animal lover)
- 読書愛好家 (book lover)
- 美術愛好家 (art lover)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 愛好家: enthusiast, lover of (respectful, cultured tone)
- ファン: fan (casual, from English)
- マニア: mania, obsessive fan (can be slightly negative)
- オタク: geek, nerd (subculture enthusiast; sometimes pejorative)