Translation guide
The English word "dear" has several distinct uses: as an adjective meaning loved/valued, as an adjective meaning expensive, as an exclamation of surprise or dismay, and as a formal salutation in letters. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Expressing that someone or something is cherished, beloved, or important to you.
The most common and natural way to say someone or something is dear to you, meaning important and cherished. Used for family, friends, memories, etc.
彼は私の大切な友達です。
He is a dear friend of mine.
This is a dear memory to me.
Expresses deep affection, often with a sense of longing or endearment. More emotional and literary than 大切な. Commonly used for loved ones, especially romantic partners or children.
愛しい人に会いたい。
I want to see my dear one.
Formal and somewhat old-fashioned. Used in letter salutations or formal addresses, similar to 'Dear Mr./Ms.' but can also mean 'beloved' in a solemn context.
親愛なる友へ
To my dear friend
Describing something that costs a lot of money.
The standard word for 'expensive'. Can also mean 'high' (as in height). Context makes the meaning clear.
この店は何でも高い。
Everything in this store is dear.
東京は物価が高い。
Prices are dear in Tokyo.
A more formal adjective meaning 'expensive' or 'costly'. Often used in written descriptions or formal speech.
高価な贈り物をいただきました。
I received a dear gift.
Used to express shock, disappointment, or sympathy, like 'Oh dear!' or 'Dear me!'.
A common interjection expressing mild surprise, often used by women. Equivalent to 'Oh dear!' or 'Oh my!'.
あら、大変！
Oh dear, what a mess!
Expresses surprise, admiration, or dismay. Can be used by both genders. Often combined with other words like まあまあ.
まあ、ひどい！
Oh dear, how awful!
An interjection of mild surprise or puzzlement, similar to 'Oh?' or 'Dear me'. Slightly masculine or neutral.
おや、どうしたの？
Oh dear, what's the matter?
Used at the beginning of a letter or email to address the recipient.
The standard formal opening for a Japanese letter, equivalent to 'Dear Sir/Madam' or 'Dear [Name]'. Often paired with a closing like 敬具 (けいぐ).
拝啓、田中様
Dear Mr. Tanaka,
A more direct translation of 'Dear', used in personal letters. Less common than 拝啓 in traditional correspondence, but used in modern casual letters or translations.
親愛なる友へ
Dear friend,
In emails and casual letters, it's common to simply write the person's name followed by 様 (さま) or さん, without a direct 'Dear' equivalent. For example, 田中様 or 田中さん.
While 高い (たかい) means 'expensive', it also means 'high' or 'tall'. Ensure context clarifies the meaning. In formal writing, 高価な (こうかな) is unambiguous.
大切な (taisetsu na) is the safest and most common way to express that someone or something is dear to you. 愛しい (itoshii) carries a stronger emotional weight and is often used in romantic or deeply affectionate contexts. Use 大切な for general 'dear' and 愛しい for poetic or intimate expressions.