Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Love" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "love", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
可愛がる
かわいがる (kawaigaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
愛情
あいじょう (aijō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "love" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 可愛がる and 愛情.
In Japanese, 可愛がる (かわいがる (kawaigaru)) is typically associated with "to love, to cherish, to be affectionate to; to dote on" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A transitive verb meaning to treat someone.
On the other hand, 愛情 (あいじょう (aijō)) maps to "love; affection" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to deep love, affection, or warm caring feelings for family, partners, or friends. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'A-Affection?! S-Stop using such highly suggestive words! My strictly scolding attitude is also a form of high-quality affection toward you! ...Wait! Forget that! That was classified!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あ、愛情？！仕事中にそんな刺激の強い言葉を使うんじゃないわよ！私の厳しい指導だって、あんたに対する最上級の「愛情表現（ツンデレ）」なんだからね！...って、今のセリフは社外秘よ！』. A literal translation of "love" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "可愛がる"
おじいちゃんは孫娘をとても可愛がっている。
Grandpa dotes on his granddaughter very much.
Bilingual Context for "愛情"
両親からたくさんの愛情を受けて育ちました。
I grew up receiving a lot of affection from my parents.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "おじいちゃんは孫娘をとても可愛がっている。" (Meaning: "Grandpa dotes on his granddaughter very much.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "可愛がる" fits here because it means "to love, to cherish, to be affectionate to; to dote on" in the context of: "Grandpa dotes on his granddaughter very much.". "愛情" represents "love; affection".