Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
恋愛 (れんあい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N2 Freq. Frequency Top 2,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
love ; romance ; romantic love
Refers to romantic love between people, often with a somewhat formal or abstract tone compared to 恋 (こい). Used in compounds like 恋愛結婚 (love marriage) and 恋愛感情 (romantic feelings).
ねん
齢れい
は
関かん
係けい
ない
。
Age doesn't matter in love.
Written forms 恋れん 愛あい Usage 100%
Standard kanji form; high-frequency in news and general use.
レンアイ Usage <1%
Kanji 恋 romance, in love, yearn for 愛 love, affection, favourite Similar words 恋こい 恋 (こい) is a more emotional, passionate, and often personal term for love, while 恋愛 (れんあい) is more abstract and formal, often used in compound words or analytical contexts.
愛あい 愛 (あい) is a broader term for love, including familial, platonic, and altruistic love, whereas 恋愛 specifically denotes romantic love.
Etymology Compound of 恋 (こい, 'romantic love') and 愛 (あい, 'love'), combining the passionate and affectionate aspects of love. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term has been used since the Meiji era to translate Western concepts of romantic love.