Meaning
疼爱 describes a deep, tender form of love that involves caring for and cherishing someone with affection and protectiveness. It often implies a relationship where the person loving is willing to give generously and show special consideration, commonly used for parents toward children, grandparents toward grandchildren, or between spouses.
Usage
This word carries a warmer, more protective connotation than the general word 爱. It's frequently used to describe how elders treat younger family members, suggesting both emotional affection and practical care. Native speakers use it when emphasizing the tender, nurturing aspect of love rather than romantic passion.
Examples
- 01爷爷奶奶非常疼爱他们的孙子。.Grandpa and Grandma love their grandson dearly.
- 02她从小就被父母疼爱，长大后特别孝顺。, .She was cherished by her parents since childhood, and became especially filial after growing up.
Characters
Common collocations
- 疼爱有加to dote on excessively
- 百般疼爱to love and care for in every way
- 倍加疼爱to love even more dearly
Antonyms
Origin
The character 疼 originally meant 'to ache' or 'to hurt,' but evolved to mean 'to love tenderly' as if one's heart aches with affection. Combined with 爱 (love), it emphasizes the protective, caring dimension of love.