Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Love" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "love", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
愛情
あいじょう (aijō)
N3 / 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 愛情 and 愛憎.
In Japanese, 愛情 (あいじょう (aijō)) is typically associated with "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！』.
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 "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.
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: "両親からたくさんの ＿＿＿ を受けて育ちました。" (Meaning: "I grew up receiving a lot of affection from my parents.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "愛情" fits here because it means "love; affection" in the context of: "I grew up receiving a lot of affection from my parents.". "愛憎" represents "love and hate; likes and dislikes; conflicting feelings of love and resentment".