Related words 愛 is the native Japanese word for love, carrying a deeper or more formal tone, while ラブ is a lighter loanword often used in casual or modern contexts.
恋 specifically means romantic longing or infatuation, whereas ラブ is a broader, casual loanword that can cover any kind of love, romantic or otherwise.
Word family· 26 Show 14 more Show fewer calling out with love or goodwill · phone call to a loved one · fervent request; heartfelt appeal
sex doll; love doll
love story; romance; love affair
love scene
making love; having sex
love game; game won without opponent scoring
love set; 6-0 set
love seat; love chair
love hunt; looking for love
lovebird
love play
office romance; workplace romance
girls' love; GL; yuri media
true love
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Etymology Borrowed from English 'love'. The spelling ラヴ reflects the original 'v' sound, but ラブ is more common in modern Japanese.
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