恋

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 恋, read こい. This noun denotes romantic love or affection directed toward someone.
• Basic usage: 恋を描く makes romance the subject portrayed by a novel, while 恋を手紙に書く expresses concealed love in a letter.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Romance portrayed in fiction
  • The novel portrays romance between childhood friends. Example: この小説は幼なじみ同士の恋を描いています。 — This novel portrays a romance between childhood friends.
• Expressing concealed love
  • A love kept private is expressed by writing about it in a letter. Example: 彼女は胸に秘めた恋を手紙に書きました。 — She wrote about her secret love in a letter.