Prefix used in a few fixed compounds to express affection, such as 愛弟子 (beloved disciple) or 愛娘 (dear daughter). Not freely productive.
The 愛 in 愛弟子 indicates a disciple whom the master is especially fond of.
「愛娘」という言葉には、親の深い愛情が込められている。
The word 愛娘 carries a parent's deep affection.
favorite pupil; teacher's pet
Standard kanji spelling for this prefix.
Alternate kanji form; less common than 愛.
The element まな is the stem of the ancient adjective まなしい “dear; beloved” and survives chiefly before nouns referring to cherished people.