片思い
kataomoi
The Japanese word for a crush is 片思い (kataomoi).
片思い refers to a crush, specifically the feeling of unrequited or one-sided romantic love. In casual conversation, you might refer to the person you have a crush on as your 好きな人 (the person I like). If you want to express that you are currently in the middle of a crush, you can use the form 片思い中.
Meaning: love or infatuation or its object (often short-lived or unrequited) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 片思い describes a one-sided crush, 両思い is used to describe mutual love or a relationship where the feelings are returned.
How do you pronounce it?
kataomoi
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, 片思い is often romanticized in media as a pure and noble state of longing, sometimes preferred over the complexities of a mutual relationship.
- The word 片思い literally translates to 'one-sided thinking', where the 'thinking' part refers to the act of yearning or long-term emotional preoccupation.
- While a 'crush' in English is often fleeting, 片思い can describe a lifelong, unrequited devotion that lasts decades without the person ever knowing.
Examples in context
- 好きな人はもちろんいるけど、片思いなの。だって、その人にはとても素敵な奥さんがいるんだもの。I do have a crush, but it's not mutual. He already has a lovely wife, anyways.This sentence shows how to use 片思い to describe a crush that is not mutual.Tatoeba #974000 by bunbuku, translation #1527995 by marshmallowcat
- ずっと片思いをしています。Zutto kataomoi o shite imasu.I have had a crush for a long time.
- 片思いは辛いですよね。Kataomoi wa tsurai desu yo ne.Having an unrequited crush is painful, isn't it?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about romance at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himari今の状況は片思いなの？Ima no joukyou wa kataomoi na no?Is the current situation just a crush?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、片思いだけど諦められないんだ。Un, kataomoi dakedo akiramerarenai n da.Yeah, it's a crush, but I can't give up on her.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くんの気持ち、応援するよ。Hiroto-kun no kimochi, ouen suru yo.I'll root for your feelings, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、陽葵。Arigatou, Himari.Thanks, Himari.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 片思い, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
