宠

• Pinyin: chǒng
• Hanzi breakdown: 宠 = 宀 (roof/house) + 龙 (dragon) = favor/to pamper

Meaning

To spoil; to pamper; to dote on. Also: favor or affection from someone in power.

Can describe excessive indulgence of children, pets, or loved ones. Historically also meant imperial favor. Modern usage often appears in 宠物 (pet), 宠爱 (to dote on), 宠坏 (to spoil rotten).

Examples

1. 爷爷奶奶太宠他了，什么要求都满足。 Grandpa and Grandma spoil him too much, satisfying his every request.
2. 她养了三只宠物猫。 She has three pet cats.
3. 这孩子被宠坏了，一点苦都吃不了。 This child has been spoiled rotten and can't handle any hardship.

Usage Guide

Context: family, relationships, pets

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 父母不应该过度宠孩子。(Parents shouldn't spoil their children excessively.)
• 他把女朋友宠上了天。(He pampers his girlfriend to no end.)

Don't Say

• 老板宠我 (In professional contexts, use 器重 or 重用 instead of 宠)

Origin & History

Originally meant favor bestowed by royalty. 宠 contains 宀 (roof) and 龙 (dragon), suggesting imperial favor (dragon symbolizing emperor).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal