Together, 亲 (intimate) + 爱 (love) + 的 (particle) creates a word that literally means “(the one who is) intimately loved,” perfectly capturing the essence of “dear” or “beloved.”
In traditional Chinese culture, overt displays of affection, both verbal and physical, were less common than in the West. Terms of endearment were often reserved for private moments or written correspondence. 亲爱的 fits this pattern perfectly. It has long been the standard, respectful, and warm salutation for letters, appropriate for anyone you have a close relationship with, from a family member to a respected mentor. This contrasts sharply with the English “dear,” which is incredibly flexible. An elderly woman in the US might call a young cashier “dear” as a form of casual friendliness, and “Oh, dear!” is a common exclamation. 亲爱的 is not used this way. Calling a stranger or a casual acquaintance 亲爱的 in person would be considered overly familiar and very strange. The modern era has seen a shift. Influenced by global media, young couples in China now commonly use 亲爱的 with each other in daily conversation and text messages, much like “darling” or “honey” in English. Furthermore, the commercial world has co-opted the term to create a sense of personalized service (e.g., `亲爱的会员` - “Dear Member”).
The context of 亲爱的 is everything. Its meaning shifts from formal and respectful to deeply intimate depending on the situation.