Does the mandarin term "ai ren" carry any negative connotation?

Question

To me, it somehow makes me think of a prostitute or mistress instead of a spouse/significant other. Do different regions of China/taiwan use this term to mean slightly different things? Or is it acceptable in all regions? (my mandarin isn't so good, so maybe it's just me?)

Answer 1

It's just you. :p

It doesn't have any negative connotation such as ones you mentioned, but it's not usually used by people unless it's to look/be sweet to one's airen. In short, it's not an everyday word like how you would use, "Honey" to refer to your significant other.

I thought the same thing, too about that word when I was younger. :p

Answer 2

ai ren is really just your lover..i mean a mistress can be your ai ren too

Answer 3

Erm I wish you coulld give me the actual chinese wordings instead. But based on your explanation i think you are refering to

爱人 ai4 ren3 = lover

This term is generally used for lovers all around and are not negative in context.

Another chinese term which ai ren can be use will be

矮人 ai2 ren3 = drawf or shortty

This is general used to refer people who are short but not commonly used as sometimes, people will offended by such terms through.