宠物

• Pinyin: chǒng wù
• Hanzi breakdown: 宠 = 宀 (roof) + 龙 (dragon), to favor/spoil; 物 = 牛 (ox) + 勿 (not), thing/creature

Meaning

Pet. An animal kept for companionship rather than utility.

Commonly refers to cats, dogs, birds, fish, and other animals kept as companions. The pet industry has grown significantly in China, with 宠物 appearing in compounds like 宠物店 (pet shop), 宠物医院 (pet hospital), and 宠物食品 (pet food).

Examples

1. 养宠物可以缓解孤独感，但也需要付出时间和精力。 Keeping pets can relieve loneliness, but it also requires time and effort.
2. 这家宠物医院的服务很专业，我每次都带狗来这里看病。 This pet hospital offers very professional service — I always bring my dog here for checkups.
3. 越来越多的年轻人选择养宠物而不是生孩子。 More and more young people are choosing to keep pets instead of having children.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, lifestyle

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 你养什么宠物？(What kind of pet do you have?)
• 这只猫是我的宠物。(This cat is my pet.)

Don't Say

• 农场动物通常不叫'宠物' (Farm animals are typically not called 宠物 — the term implies companionship rather than utility)

Origin & History

Combines 宠 (to spoil/favor) with 物 (thing/creature), meaning a creature that is pampered or favored.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal