Translation and Meaning of: 愛する - aisuru

If you've ever wondered how to say "love" in Japanese in a deep and poetic way, the word Love (愛する - aisuru) it's the answer. But it goes far beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore the fascinating etymology of this expression, its use in everyday Japanese, and even tips for memorizing its kanji. Here on I love Japanese., the largest online Japanese dictionary, you can also find ready-made phrases to add to Anki and boost your studies. Shall we uncover together the secrets behind this word that carries so much meaning?

The Origin and Kanji of 愛する

The kanji 愛 is a masterpiece of Japanese writing, composed of 13 strokes that tell a story. Its upper radical, 爫, represents a hand caressing, while the lower part suggests a hidden heart (心). It's no wonder that this ideogram conveys the idea of a love that cares and protects. Interestingly, in ancient China, 愛 also carried the meaning of "affection that demands sacrifice," something that still resonates in Japanese usage today.

When we turn 愛 into a verb with the suffix する, we create 愛する — a more literary and intense form than the everyday 愛してる. While the latter is common in relationships, 愛する appears in broader contexts: you can 愛する nature, art, or even an ideal. Have you noticed how some words seem to take on a life of their own when they become verbs?

Practical Use in Daily Life

Unlike Portuguese, where "amar" is used even for pizza, the Japanese reserve 愛する for deep feelings. A teacher might say 日本語を愛しています (I love the Japanese language) to express devotion, but would rarely use this word for fleeting things. This precision in emotional vocabulary is one of the beauties of Japanese — each term carries a specific weight.

In manga and dramas, 愛する frequently appears at decisive moments. Remember the classic scene where the character declares 君を愛している (I love you) in the rain? That’s the power of this word – turning ordinary scenes into epic moments. But in real life, Japanese people tend to be more reserved with such direct declarations, preferring to show love through actions.

Tips for Memorizing and Mastering

Never forget the kanji 愛 (ai): picture this scene— a hand (爫) protecting a heart (心) wrapped in a mantle (冖), while someone walks (夊) beside it. This mental image helps to memorize the components of the character. Another trick is to associate the sound "ai" with the scream we give when startled by love — after all, love can be frightening too, can't it?

How about practicing with a useful phrase? 私はこの街を愛しています (Watashi wa kono machi o aishiteimasu) means "I love this city." Try using this structure by changing the object of love—you could be loving a book, a place, or even a hobby. This way, you reinforce the verb in a real context, which is the best way to learn. Have you thought about what your first declaration using 愛する (aisuru) would be?