How to Say “Dear Diary” in Japanese

親愛なる日記へ
shin'ainaru nikki e
The English phrase "dear diary" is translated into Japanese as 親愛なる日記へ (shin'ainaru nikki e).
This phrase is used as the traditional first line when beginning a diary entry.
Meaning: traditional first line in a diary entry (phrase)

How do you pronounce it?

shin'ainaru nikki e

Did you know?

  • In Western media, Japanese characters often use the English-style 親愛なる日記へ to signal to the audience that they are writing a diary, whereas real Japanese diary entries usually begin directly with the date and weather.
  • Japanese diaries often start with the weather, such as 晴れ 'sunny', because the climate is considered an essential part of the day's mood.
  • The word 親愛 (shin'ai) used in this phrase is quite heavy and formal, often reserved for deep, affectionate feelings toward people rather than inanimate objects like a book.

Example conversation

Yuta and Yui are talking about their habits.

  1. 陽太 Yota

    日記を書いてるの?
    Nikki o kaiteru no?
    Are you writing in a diary?
  2. 結衣 Yui

    うん。「親愛なる日記へ」から書き始めるの。
    Un. "Shin'ai naru nikki e" kara kakihajimeru no.
    Yes. I start writing with "Dear diary."
  3. 陽太 Yota

    おしゃれな書き方だね。
    Oshare na kakikata da ne.
    That's a stylish way to write.
  4. 結衣 Yui

    ありがとう、結衣はそう書くの。
    Arigatō, Yui wa sō kaku no.
    Thanks, that's how I write it.
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Debbie Edith
Debbie EdithHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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