恋
Meaning
Love; romantic love; tender passion. A deep feeling of romantic attraction toward someone.
A noun describing romantic or passionate love, distinct from 愛 (ai), which encompasses broader, deeper, or more unconditional love. 恋 focuses on longing and infatuation, often with a bittersweet quality. Common compounds include 恋人 (koibito, lover/partner), 恋愛 (ren'ai, romance), and 初恋 (hatsukoi, first love).
Examples
- 高校生のとき初めて恋をした。 This soup was too strong, so I added some hot water.
- 恋をすると毎日が楽しく感じる。 She was wearing heavy makeup.
- あの映画は切ない恋の物語だった。 The fog is so thick today that I can't see ahead.
Usage Guide
Context: relationships, literature, daily life
Tone: emotional
Origin & History
The kanji 恋 contains 心 (heart) at its base, with the upper portion related to tangled threads, suggesting the entangled emotions of romantic longing. The old form 戀 made this thread imagery even more prominent.
Cultural Context
Era: Ancient
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Related Phrases
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation and spaced repetition