How to say "lovable" in Japanese

• 可憐しいいじらしい
  i-adjectiveCovers 'lovable' in the sense of sweetly endearing and charming, often with a touch of pathos that moves you. Typical of a child, small animal, or modest figure whose sweetness tugs at the heart.
• 愛すべきあいすべき
  expressionThe most direct way to say 'lovable', meaning worthy of love or affection. Suits describing a person, character, or quality you find genuinely endearing, as in a lovable eccentric or lovable old town.
• ラブい
  i-adjectiveCovers 'lovely; lovable' as casual slang expressing that something or someone is adorable or appealing. Use only in relaxed conversation among friends, never in formal writing.
• いじましい
  i-adjectiveDespite matching the gloss 'lovable; sweet; touching', this word is seldom what you want for 'lovable': it more usually means stingy, petty, or mean-spirited. Only its colloquial touching, endearing sense fits here, so treat it as marginal.

Choose by register and nuance: 「愛すべき」 is the straightforward literary choice, 「可憐しい」 suggests sweet, touching charm, 「ラブい」 is casual slang, and 「いじましい」 is usually not the right word for 'lovable' at all.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• いじらしいlovable
• 愛すべきあいすべきlovable
• ラブいlovely
• かわいいinnocent
• かわゆいinnocent
• いじましいlovable