Connection
Love
Original collection wording is archived below. Read the dictionary explanation for context.
ai / あい
Dictionary meaning
Love, affection, and care for someone or something. The meaning extends beyond romance to what you cherish.
Your intended symbolism
Your personal symbolism is separate from the dictionary meaning. Explain what you want this choice to express to a fluent Japanese reader and your artist.
Context & cautions
A single character expresses a concept. 愛 does not form the sentence ‘I love you.’
Size & legibility: discuss with your artist
There is no universal minimum tattoo size based on stroke count. Ask your artist to check line weight, the gaps between strokes, placement, and how the lettering may age. Preview dimensions include transparent margins and are not a safe minimum size.
Typeface, output quality & sources →- On’yomi
- アイ · ai
- Kun’yomi
- Selected: いとしい · itoshii (beloved)
Selected readings are shown. On’yomi are readings of Chinese origin; kun’yomi are native Japanese readings. The word and context determine which is used.
Dictionary reference: Japanese dictionary entry ↗
Dictionary links are references only. They do not mean that the linked organization certifies, endorses, or supervises this site.
WATCH WITH KEN
Love, meaning & lettering
Ken is an AI avatar. This video introduces the topic; the dictionary notes below explain the meanings in more detail. Playing loads YouTube.
Watch on YouTube ↗KEN’S FULL GUIDE
What would 愛 mean to you?
Hi, I'm Ken. This kanji is read ai, and it means love. It can express romantic love, but also affection for family, friends, and things you deeply care about.
愛 and 恋
A related kanji is koi, which is more closely associated with romantic attraction and longing for someone. Ai can include romance too, but its meaning is broader.
Compare ai, koi & suki →Explore love, tender care & bonds in the meaning map →
The meaning you bring to it
If you want to express affection for someone important to you, or something you deeply cherish, ai may be a meaningful choice. But the character alone does not specifically mean unconditional love. Think about how you would explain your own meaning in your own words.
The expression of each stroke
The shape matters too. In brush lettering, a stroke may turn upward, taper gently, or sweep outward. These details can change the feeling of the design. Show your tattoo artist a reference you like, and discuss the expression you want while keeping the kanji recognizable.
Discussing editable artwork with your artist
If you want to adjust the shapes of the strokes, editable vector artwork, such as an SVG, can help. Check that the file is editable and that its terms allow the changes you need. Discuss the final size and line thickness with your tattoo artist as well.
Try your own direction
What would ai mean to you? Try different lettering styles and placements on this page to explore a design that feels right for you.
Dictionary sources: 愛 · 恋. The guide describes general artwork options; it does not promise an editable SVG download from this site.
From the original collection
The original wording and artwork are preserved in the source archive. Unverified cultural interpretations are not presented here as dictionary definitions.
Archived source spelling (before review)
Love kanji tattoo
愛: ai
PICTURE YOUR PLACEMENT
See your kanji on skin
Explore where your kanji could sit before discussing the final placement with your artist.
BEFORE YOU INK
Your meaning check
For Yu Kyokasho Bold lettering.
- Dictionary meaning
- Love, affection, and care for someone or something. The meaning extends beyond romance to what you cherish.
- Context & limits
- A single character expresses a concept. 愛 does not form the sentence ‘I love you.’
- Complete writing & selected reading
- 愛 · ai / あい
Loading your checklist…
These are your own acknowledgements, not professional verification or approval to tattoo. Review the final drawing and stencil together before tattooing.
Saved only in this browser. Your checklist is included when you add this kanji to an artist consultation sheet. It is not synced or sent to analytics. Changes to the entry’s meaning, reading, or lettering typeface reset these checks.
From character to lettering
This is a typeset reference, rather than a tattoo stencil. Check the final drawing, orientation, and intended meaning with a fluent Japanese reader and your artist.
Dictionary reference: Kanjipedia — 愛 ↗
Read the before-the-ink guide →
