Translation guide
The English word 'agape' has two main uses: as an adjective meaning 'wide open' (especially of the mouth), and as a noun referring to a specific type of love. This guide covers both.
Describing something that is gaping or wide open, especially a mouth in surprise or shock.
An adverb often used with 開く (to open) or する to describe a mouth hanging open in surprise or bewilderment. It conveys a sense of being dumbfounded.
彼は口をぽかんと開けて立っていた。
He stood there with his mouth agape.
その知らせを聞いて、彼女はぽかんとしていた。
Upon hearing the news, she was agape.
Referring to the Christian concept of unconditional, selfless love, often contrasted with other types of love.
These are two completely different meanings. In English, 'agape' as an adjective is pronounced /əˈɡeɪp/ and means wide open. As a noun, it's /ˈæɡəpiː/ or /əˈɡɑːpeɪ/ and refers to a type of love. In Japanese, they are expressed with entirely different words. Make sure you know which meaning you want to convey.
彼は口をぽかんと開けていた。
His mouth was agape.
アガペーは神の愛です。
Agape is God's love.
An adverb specifically for a mouth wide open in surprise. Often used with 口を開ける. Slightly more vivid than ぽかんと.
子供たちは口をあんぐり開けてマジックを見ていた。
The children watched the magic trick with their mouths agape.
A literal phrase meaning 'with mouth opened wide'. It can be used in various contexts, not only surprise but also for yawning, eating, etc.
彼は口を大きく開けてあくびをした。
He yawned with his mouth agape.
The direct loanword from Greek, used primarily in theological or philosophical contexts. It is understood by educated speakers but may require explanation in casual conversation.
キリスト教では、アガペーは神の無償の愛を意味する。
In Christianity, agape means God's unconditional love.
Literally 'unconditional love' or 'love without compensation'. This is a more natural Japanese phrase to express the concept of agape without using the loanword.
彼女は無償の愛を持ってボランティア活動をしている。
She does volunteer work with agape love.
Means 'self-sacrificial love'. It emphasizes the selfless aspect of agape and can be used in both religious and secular contexts.
親の子供に対する愛は、時に自己犠牲的な愛だ。
A parent's love for their child is sometimes agape.