博愛(はくあい)

はくあい
noun
philanthropy; universal love; benevolence
1. philanthropy; universal love; benevolence
Love and compassion for all humanity without discrimination. A broad, impartial love that extends to everyone.
博愛(はくあい)の精神(せいしん)を持(も)つ。
To have a spirit of philanthropy.
彼女(かのじょ)は博愛(はくあい)主義者(しゅぎしゃ)として知(し)られている。
She is known as a philanthropist.
自由(じゆう)・平等(びょうどう)・博愛(はくあい)はフランス革命(かくめい)の理念(りねん)だ。
Liberty, equality, and fraternity are the ideals of the French Revolution.

博愛(はくあい) means universal, impartial love for all people regardless of status, nationality, or background. It carries a more philosophical and idealistic tone than everyday words for love.

ETYMOLOGY:
Literally "broad love" (博(はく) = broad/wide, 愛(あい) = love).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 博愛(はくあい)の精神(せいしん): spirit of philanthropy
  • 博愛(はくあい)主義(しゅぎ): humanitarianism, philanthropism
  • 博愛(はくあい)主義者(しゅぎしゃ): philanthropist, humanitarian

CULTURAL NOTE:
In the French motto "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité," the Japanese translation uses 博愛(はくあい) for "fraternité" (fraternity/brotherhood). This is one of the most well-known contexts for this word.

REGISTER:
Formal and literary. Rarely used in casual conversation.

general
Added 2026.3.24 19:06 · Revised 2026.4.2 16:40
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