Meaning
钟爱 expresses a deep, devoted affection or preference for someone or something. It conveys a stronger and more focused love than the general word 爱, suggesting that the object of affection holds a special, even exclusive, place in one's heart. This word is commonly used for favorite hobbies, beloved people, or things one treasures above others.
Usage
钟爱 is more formal and literary than everyday expressions like 喜欢 or 爱. It often appears in written language, speeches, or when describing someone's lifelong passion or deep attachment to something. Common patterns include 钟爱...一生 (cherish for a lifetime) or 深深钟爱 (deeply cherish).
Examples
- 01他一生钟爱古典音乐，收藏了上千张唱片。, .He has cherished classical music all his life and has collected over a thousand records.
- 02这座城市是她钟爱的地方，她在这里度过了最美好的时光。, .This city is the place she deeply loves; she spent her best times here.
Characters
Common collocations
- 深深钟爱to deeply cherish
- 钟爱一生to cherish for a lifetime
- 钟爱的人beloved person
Antonyms
Origin
The character 钟 originally meant 'bell' but developed the meaning of 'to concentrate' or 'to focus'. Combined with 爱 (love), 钟爱 literally means 'concentrated love' or 'focused affection', suggesting a special devotion.