Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Love" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "love", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
大好き
だいすき (daisuki)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
可愛がる
かわいがる (kawaigaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "love" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 大好き and 可愛がる.
In Japanese, 大好き (だいすき (daisuki)) is typically associated with "to love; to be very fond of; favorite" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used to express a strong liking or love for something or someone, more intense than 好き.
On the other hand, 可愛がる (かわいがる (kawaigaru)) maps to "to love, to cherish, to be affectionate to; to dote on" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A transitive verb meaning to treat someone. A literal translation of "love" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "大好き"
私は日本語の勉強が大好きです。
I love studying Japanese.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は日本語の勉強が ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "I love studying Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "大好き" fits here because it means "to love; to be very fond of; favorite" in the context of: "I love studying Japanese.". "可愛がる" represents "to love, to cherish, to be affectionate to; to dote on".