Quick answer
愛 is the kanji for "Love". The most common reading is いと.しい (itoshii). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Love
Also : Affection · Fondness
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
13 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 愛 represents 'LOVE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of love.
On-reading: あい — remember this sound by associating it with love. Kun-reading: いと.しい.
Example Sentences
愛情を持って育てました。
あいじょうをもってそだてました。
I raised them with love.
家族への愛を大切にしています。
かぞくへのあいをたいせつにしています。
I cherish love for my family.
Vocabulary using 愛
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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