Chinese Character: Ai (Love)

The Chinese character ai is a particularly interesting character to study. The traditional Chinese character ai consists of a heart (middle) inside of "accept", "feel", or "perceive", which shows a graceful emotion.

Ai, according to The Chinese philosopher Mozi, is universal love towards all beings, not just towards friends or family, without regard to reciprocation. Extravagance and offensive war are inimical to ai.

Ai is used as a verb (e.g. Wo ai ni, "I love you") or as a noun, especially in aiqing, "love" or "romance." In mainland China since 1949, airen, originally "lover," or more literally, "love person", is the dominant word for "spouse" (with separate terms for "wife" and "husband" originally being de-emphasized); the word once had a negative connotation, which it retains among many on Taiwan.

In Japanese Buddhism, ai is passionate caring love, and a fundamental desire. It can develop towards either selfishness or selflessness and enlightenment.



Learn more about Jade & Chinese characters:

Chinese Character: Fu (Blessing)
Chinese Character: Lu (Prosperity)
Chinese Character: Shou (Longevity)
Chinese Character: Xi & Shuangxi (Happiness & Double Happiness)
Chinese Character: Cai (wealth)
Chinese Character: Ji (auspiciousness)
Chinese Character: Ai (Love)
Chinese Character: De (Virtue)
Chinese Character: Ning (Peace)