喜爱

• Pinyin: xǐ ài
• Hanzi breakdown: 喜 = 壴 (drum/joy) + 口 (mouth) — joy; 爱 = 爫 (hand) + 冖 (cover) + 友 (friend) — love and care

Meaning

To love; to be fond of; to cherish. Expresses a genuine affection or liking for something or someone.

A slightly more formal or literary alternative to 喜欢. While 喜欢 is used in casual conversation, 喜爱 often carries a deeper or more heartfelt sense of affection. Commonly used in writing, speeches, and when describing lasting or sincere preferences.

Examples

1. 她从小就喜爱音乐，现在已经成为一名钢琴家。 She has been fond of music since childhood and has now become a pianist.
2. 这本书受到了广大读者的喜爱。 This book has been loved by a wide readership.
3. 他喜爱爬山，每个周末都会去附近的山上走走。 He loves hiking and goes to a nearby mountain every weekend.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, literature, education

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 这位作家深受年轻读者的喜爱。(This author is deeply loved by young readers.)
• 她喜爱大自然，经常去公园散步。(She is fond of nature and often takes walks in the park.)

Don't Say

• 用喜爱代替喜欢来描述短暂或随意的偏好。(Avoid using 喜爱 for passing or trivial preferences — 喜欢 is more natural in casual contexts; 喜爱 implies deeper affection.)

Origin & History

Compound of 喜 (joy/happiness) and 爱 (love/affection), together meaning 'to feel joy and love toward.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal