両思い

• Reading: りょうおもい
• Romaji: ryō omoi
• Kanji breakdown: 両 (both/mutual) + 思 (think/feel) + い (nominalization) → mutual feelings
• Pronunciation: /ɾjoː o.mo.i/

Meaning

Mutual feelings between two people — both parties like each other romantically.

両思い describes the happy situation where both people have romantic feelings for each other, though they may not have confessed yet. It's the ideal outcome before a 告白 — discovering that your feelings are reciprocated. The term is especially common in school settings and in manga/anime where the dramatic reveal of mutual feelings is a key plot point.

Examples

1. 実は両思いだったって知ったとき、嬉しすぎて泣いた。 When I found out the feelings were mutual, I was so happy I cried.
2. 両思いっぽいのに、どっちも告白しないからもどかしい。 It seems like they both like each other, but neither one will confess — it's so frustrating.
3. あの二人、絶対両思いだよね。周りから見てバレバレ。 Those two are totally into each other, right? It's obvious to everyone around them.

Usage Guide

Context: friends, school, romance

Tone: happy, hopeful

Do Say

• 両思いだったらいいのにな。 (I wish the feelings were mutual.)
• 両思いだって発覚して、そのまま付き合うことになった。 (We found out we liked each other and started dating right away.)

Don't Say

• 職場で「両思いですか」と同僚に聞くのはセクハラになりかねない (Asking a colleague 'are you two mutual?' could be considered harassment in the workplace)

Common Mistakes

• Thinking 両思い only applies before dating — while it's most exciting in the pre-confession phase, it can also describe any mutual romantic feelings

Origin & History

From 両 (both/mutual) + 思い (feelings/thoughts). A compound describing mutual romantic feelings, commonly used in Japanese romance culture.

Cultural Context

Era: Long-established in Japanese romance culture

Generation: All ages, especially popular among teens and young adults

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. A staple of romantic vocabulary in manga, anime, and real life.