i-adjective
Expresses deep affection and endearment, often for someone close to one's heart. Can sound slightly literary or emotional.
故郷にいる愛しい家族を思い出した。
I thought of my dear family back in my hometown.
Seeing her lovely smile warms my heart.
i-adjective
Rare, archaic use. Expresses a feeling of tender pity or compassion, often mixed with affection. Modern Japanese usually uses かわいそう or 哀れ for pure pity.
古典文学では、愛しい者と訳される語が哀れみを含むことがある。
In classical literature, words translated as 'dear' can sometimes carry a nuance of pity.