Translation guide
The English word "lover" can refer to a romantic partner, someone having an affair, or a person who enjoys something. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on context, relationship, and formality.
Referring to a person one is in a romantic relationship with, often in a neutral or positive sense.
The most common and neutral word for a romantic partner, similar to 'boyfriend' or 'girlfriend'. Can be used for any gender.
彼は私の恋人です。
He is my lover/boyfriend.
恋人と映画を見に行った。
I went to see a movie with my lover.
Specifically means 'boyfriend'. Very common in casual conversation.
彼氏ができた。
I got a boyfriend.
Specifically means 'girlfriend'. Very common in casual conversation.
彼女とデートする。
I'm going on a date with my girlfriend.
Often implies a mistress or a lover in an extramarital affair. Can sound negative or secretive. Avoid using for a regular romantic partner.
Often implies an affair or kept lover; not a neutral term for a romantic partner.
彼には愛人がいるらしい。
I heard he has a lover (mistress).
Referring to someone with whom one has a sexual relationship, possibly casual or secret.
A direct loanword meaning 'friend with benefits' or casual sexual partner. Common among younger people.
彼はただのセックスフレンドだよ。
He's just a lover/friend with benefits.
Can refer to a lover in a sexual relationship outside marriage, often with a connotation of being kept or secret.
A literary or old-fashioned term for a mistress or female lover in an affair.
Referring to someone who loves or is passionate about something, like music, art, or nature.
Suffix meaning 'lover of ~' or 'enthusiast'. Used for hobbies and interests.
彼は音楽愛好家です。
He is a music lover.
ワイン愛好家の集まり
a gathering of wine lovers
A casual suffix meaning 'lover of ~' or 'someone who likes ~'. Very common in everyday speech.
猫好きにはたまらない場所。
A place cat lovers can't resist.
彼は甘いもの好きだ。
He is a lover of sweets.
Loanword meaning 'mania' or 'enthusiast', often for niche hobbies or collections.
切手マニアの兄
my brother, a stamp lover
Using 愛人 (aijin) to mean a regular romantic partner can sound like you are having an affair. Stick to 恋人 (koibito), 彼氏 (kareshi), or 彼女 (kanojo) for neutral romantic relationships.
恋人 (koibito) is gender-neutral and can be used in formal or written contexts. 彼氏 (kareshi) and 彼女 (kanojo) are casual and specify gender. In spoken Japanese, people often use 彼氏/彼女 when the gender is known.
社長は愛人と会っている。
The company president is meeting his lover.
He keeps a mistress.