Different uses for koibito

R

Roxus12

Registered

20 Jan 2016

3

0

• 30 Jan 2016

• #1

The word I am asking about is koibito (恋人). From my understanding, it means lover. I want to ask, do you use it only for romantic reasons or would there be other situations where using 恋人 would be appropriate? Would it be possible to use it correctly in situations that aren't romantic?

Thank you for your time.

 

S

SomeCallMeChris

先輩

Ten-year veteran

5 May 2013

962

509

• 30 Jan 2016

• #2

No. It doesn't always mean sexual relations are involved, although that's often the case. However, it always means a romantic relationship.

If you saw it in a case where a romantic relationship doesn't make sense it's possible that it was being used ironically or jokingly.

 

Mike Cash

骨も命も皆此の土地に埋めよう

Twenty-year veteran

15 Mar 2002

16,758

2,298

• 30 Jan 2016

• #3

It can be used figuratively

 

mdchachi

Moderator

Moderator

Twenty-year veteran

6 Mar 2003

9,321

9,450

• 31 Jan 2016

• #4

I'm partial to white koibito's myself. It's kind of a fetish.
白い恋人 - Google Search

 

Toritoribe

松葉解禁

Moderator

Fifteen-year veteran

22 Feb 2008

18,266

4,926

• 31 Jan 2016

• #5

What has come to my mind is an old catch phrase of a confectionery company; お口の恋人・ロッテ.