Definition
爱怜 is a verb expressing a gentle, protective affection — often a mix of love and pity or tenderness. It's used for someone you feel both fond of and protective toward, like a child, a pet, or a vulnerable person. It's more literary and emotional than 爱 (love) or 喜欢 (like), and carries a connotation of cherishing someone who is smaller, weaker, or in need of care.
v.
to show tender affection for (often mixed with pity or protectiveness)
Examples
- 爱怜。Mǔqīn ài lián de fǔmō zhe háizi de tóufǎ.The mother tenderly stroked her child's hair.
- 爱怜，。Tā yǎn zhōng chōngmǎn le ài lián, qīngqīng bào qǐ le nà zhī xiǎo māo.His eyes were full of tender affection as he gently picked up the little cat.
- 爱怜，。Lǎorén duì sūnzi shífēn ài lián, zǒng shì shěbude ràng tā shòu yìdiǎn wěiqu.The old man had great tender affection for his grandson, always unable to bear letting him suffer any grievance.
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