宠爱

• Pinyin: chǒng ài
• Hanzi breakdown: 宠 = 宀 (roof) + 龙 (dragon) = imperial favor; 爱 = simplified from 愛 = love

Meaning

To dote on; to shower with affection; to pamper lovingly.

Describes deep, indulgent love typically from elders to children or between romantic partners. Stronger than 喜欢, implies tangible expressions of affection through actions. Can carry a slightly negative connotation if excessive.

Examples

1. 她从小就是外公外婆最宠爱的孙女。 She has been her maternal grandparents' most doted-on granddaughter since childhood.
2. 他用尽一切方式宠爱自己的妻子。 He pampers his wife in every way possible.
3. 被过度宠爱的孩子往往缺乏独立能力。 Children who are overly doted on often lack independence.

Usage Guide

Context: family, relationships, parenting

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 奶奶把所有的宠爱都给了最小的孙子。(Grandma showered all her affection on her youngest grandson.)
• 他对女儿的宠爱有时候让妻子都吃醋。(His doting on his daughter sometimes makes his wife jealous.)

Don't Say

• 老板宠爱我 (For professional appreciation, use 器重 or 赏识 — 宠爱 implies intimate family/romantic love)

Origin & History

Compound of 宠 (to pamper/favor) and 爱 (to love). Combines imperial connotation of favor with emotional love.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal