Translating a sentence with 恋 and 愛


The sentence is:「『恋』じゃないかもしれないけど 『愛』ならあるよ」

I tried looking up the difference between 恋 and 愛 , but I feel like I still
don't have a complete grasp over it.

A temporary translation I have is: "I might not be in love, but maybe I can
learn to love you." I got it from the idea that 愛 focuses more on the person
who is the object of your love, while 恋 is more on the feelings you have for
the person.

If anyone could help me with my lacking understanding, I'd really appreciate
it. Thank you!




In this context, 恋 refers to that romantic passion which is unstable and
uncontrollable. It's something you may suddenly fall in, but typically 恋
doesn't last for more than a year or two. 愛 is love you gradually and steadily
develop over years, usually after a period of 恋. Basically 愛 is the same kind
of love you give to your parents and siblings.

This sentence definitely says there is already 愛. So depending on the context,
it can be translated like this:

> I may not be in love with you (any more), but I love you anyway.  
>  I have never fallen in love with him, but I love him (not as a romantic
> partner but as a family member).

For example, a marriage via [_omiai_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miai) may
not start with romantic 恋, but a husband and a wife are expected to establish
愛 anyway.

See: [Love in the air: 愛ｘ恋 {あい vs
こい}](https://japanese.stackexchange.com/q/2246/5010)

