あい
aigeneral
Love in hiragana is あい (ai), a broad and serious word. For romantic love or being in love, Japanese uses こい (koi). The everyday word for liking or loving someone is すき (suki).
Meaning: love (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| あい | ai | general |
| こい | koi | romantic |
| すき | suki | like or love |
To say someone is in love, use こいをしている (koi o shite iru).
Which one should you use?
あい covers love for family, people and humanity. こい is the feeling of falling in love. すき is lighter and used for people, food and hobbies.
Did you know?
- あい is also a popular girl's name in Japan, written with the character 愛.
Examples in context
- ははのあいにかんしゃします。Haha no ai ni kansha shimasu.I am grateful for my mother's love.
- かのじょはこいをしています。Kanojo wa koi o shite imasu.She is in love.
- ねこがだいすきです。Neko ga daisuki desu.I love cats.
Example conversation
Two friends, Yoko and Chie, talk over tea.
- Chieようこ、こいをしているの。Yōko, koi o shite iru no.Yoko, are you in love.
- Yokoうん、たぶんね。Un, tabun ne.Yes, maybe.
- Chieあいはふしぎだね。Ai wa fushigi da ne.Love is mysterious.
