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synonym Comparative
親愛
VS
いとしい

Differences Between "親愛" and "いとしい"

Option A
親愛
Meaning
deep affection; sincere love; dear; beloved
Reading
しんあい (shin'ai)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
_______なる友人の門出を祝して、私たちは心からのスピーチを贈りました。
To celebrate the new start of our dear friend, we offered a heartfelt speech.
Option B
いとしい
Meaning
dear, beloved, lovely
Reading
いとしい (itoshii)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
私のいとしい子供たちが、すくすくと育っている。
My beloved children are growing up healthily.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(deep affection; sincere love; dear; beloved)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 親愛: Refers to deep affection, sincere love, or showing warm emotional bonds toward friends, family, or partners. Often used as 親愛なる (dear/beloved). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Deep affection! Sincere love! S-So what if I write 'To my dearest subordinate' on this document?! It is strictly professional...っ, B-But in my heart, it means 'dearest partner'!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『親愛なる部下へ！そうよ、書類にそう書いたのはただのビジネスマナーよ！…でもね、私の心の中では、あんたは全宇宙で一番『親愛なる（愛する）伴侶』なんだからね！勘違いしていいわよ！』
- いとしい: An adjective expressing deep affection, tenderness, or endearment towards someone or something cherished. Less commonly, it can mean 'pitiable'.
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