‘兼爱’ (jiān ài) is a foundational ethical concept from ancient Mohist philosophy, meaning 'universal love' or 'impartial care.' Literally, 兼 (jiān) means 'to include all together' or 'simultaneously,' and 爱 (ài) means 'love' or 'care.' Combined, they express the ideal of loving all people equally—regardless of kinship, status, or nationality—without favoritism or discrimination. This stands in contrast to Confucian 'graded love,' which emphasizes stronger obligations toward family and close associates.

The term appears primarily in classical texts like the Mozi and is used today mainly in academic, philosophical, or historical discussions—not in everyday speech. It carries strong moral and ideological weight, often evoking ideals of social justice, human equality, and non-discrimination. While rarely used conversationally, it remains an important touchstone in Chinese intellectual history and comparative ethics.