(じあい)

じあい
noun
affection; benevolent love; tenderness
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.
(はは)慈愛(じあい)()ちた()
A mother's eyes full of tender love.
慈愛(じあい)()ちた笑顔(えがお)子供(こども)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)生徒(せいと)(たい)する慈愛(じあい)(ふか)(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)()ちた (filled with tender love). Not typically used for romantic love.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 慈愛(じあい)()ちた (filled with affection)
  • 慈愛(じあい)(こころ) (a compassionate heart)
  • 慈愛(じあい)(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