真爱
zhēn ài
True love · trad. 真愛
真爱 (zhēn ài) is the standard and most common way to say "true love" in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to a deep, genuine, and often romantic love that is considered ideal and lasting.
When to use it
Neutral. It's widely used in romantic contexts, literature, movies, and everyday conversations when discussing profound emotional connections. There aren't many direct formal/casual alternatives for the concept itself, but related phrases can express similar sentiments.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "jen-EYE." 真 (zhēn) is a flat, high first tone, and 爱 (ài) is a sharp, falling fourth tone.
Other ways to say it
- 纯爱chún àipure love (often implying innocent or unadulterated love)
- 挚爱zhì àideep love / beloved (can refer to a person or thing one deeply loves)
- 真情zhēn qíngtrue feelings / genuine affection (broader, not exclusively romantic love)
Examples
他们相信彼此是真爱。
tā men xiāng xìn bǐ cǐ shì zhēn ài 。
They believe each other is true love.
真爱可以克服一切困难。
zhēn ài kě yǐ kè fú yí qiè kùn nán 。
True love can overcome all difficulties.
找到真爱是人生的一大幸事。
zhǎo dào zhēn ài shì rén shēng de yí dà xìng shì 。
Finding true love is one of life's great blessings.
Pro tip: While 真爱 specifically means 'true love,' it's often used in a somewhat idealistic or romanticized way, similar to how it's used in English. It implies a deep, lasting, and often fated connection.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →