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
愛憎
あいぞう (aizō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "love" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 大好き and 愛憎.
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, 愛憎 (あいぞう (aizō)) maps to "love and hate; likes and dislikes; conflicting feelings of love and resentment" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to conflicting feelings of love and hate, likes and dislikes, or deep love mixed with fierce resentment. Often used as 愛憎劇. 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 "愛憎"
長年にわたる相続争いにより、かつては仲の良かった兄弟の間に深い_______の念が生じてしまいました。
Due to inheritance disputes lasting many years, deep feelings of love and hate arose between the brothers who once got along well.
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.". "愛憎" represents "love and hate; likes and dislikes; conflicting feelings of love and resentment".