qīn'àide

dear

The Chinese word '亲爱的' is used to refer to someone whom you feel affection for, similar to the English word 'dear'. It can be used at the beginning of a letter to address the reader, or as a term of endearment for partners, family members, and close friends. Please note, however, that in Chinese, '亲爱的' does not serve the secondary meaning of 'expensive' as 'dear' does in English.