慈愛(じあい)

じあい
noun
affection; benevolent love; tenderness
formalliteraryemotion
1. affection; benevolent love; tenderness
Deep, selfless love and compassion, especially the kind shown by a parent toward a child, or by a figure of authority toward those in their care. Carries a warm, nurturing quality.
母(はは)の慈愛(じあい)に満(み)ちた目(め)。
A mother's eyes full of tender love.
慈愛(じあい)に満(み)ちた笑顔(えがお)で子供(こども)を見守(みまも)っていた。
She watched over the children with a smile full of tender love.
あの先生(せんせい)は生徒(せいと)に対(たい)する慈愛(じあい)の深(ふか)い人(ひと)だった。
That teacher was a person of deep compassion toward students.

Usage

A literary and somewhat elevated word. Common in descriptions of maternal love, religious compassion, and the warmth of mentors or leaders. Often appears in set phrases like 慈愛(じあい)に満(み)ちた (filled with tender love). Not typically used for romantic love.

Common collocations

  • 慈愛(じあい)に満(み)ちた (filled with affection)
  • 慈愛(じあい)の心(こころ) (a compassionate heart)
  • 慈愛(じあい)深(ぶか)い (deeply compassionate)

Similar words

  • 愛情(あいじょう): love, affection — broader and more common; used for both romantic and parental love
  • 慈悲(じひ): mercy, compassion — more religious/Buddhist; emphasizes mercy rather than warmth

Related Words

Synonym: 愛情(あいじょう) (broader, more common)
Synonym: 慈悲(じひ) (mercy, compassion)
Related: 慈(いつく)しむ (to cherish, to care for tenderly)
general
Added 2026.3.20 17:57 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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