愛情

あいじょう

love, affection

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 愛情 (あいじょう) refers to love or affection, often used to describe feelings of warmth and care towards family, friends, or loved ones. It is a noun and commonly appears in both formal and informal contexts.

Common Contexts

愛情 is frequently used when talking about familial love, such as the love between parents and children, or romantic affection. It emphasizes emotional warmth and caring rather than just physical attraction.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 愛情を持つ (あいじょうをもつ): to have affection
  • 愛情を込める (あいじょうをこめる): to put love/affection into something
  • 愛情が深い (あいじょうがふかい): deep affection

These expressions highlight the intensity or presence of affectionate feelings.

Nuances and Tips

When using 愛情, speakers imply a sincere and heartfelt emotion. It is more formal and literary than simply saying 好き (like) or 恋 (romantic love). Avoid confusing 愛情 with 恋愛 (romantic love), as 愛情 can be broader, including familial or platonic love.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 愛情 with 恋愛. Remember, 恋愛 specifically refers to romantic love or dating relationships, while 愛情 covers a wider range of affectionate feelings.

Example Sentences

かれはかぞくにふかいあいじょうをもっている。

He has deep affection for his family.

こどもはおやのあいじょうをひつようとする。

Children need their parents' love.

あいじょうをこめててがみをかいた。

I wrote the letter with affection.