疼爱 téngài to love dearly
to love dearly; to dote on (somebody)
How to remember 疼爱: 疼 ache + 爱 love = to love dearly.
Characters
How it is used
- To love dearly and dote on - 父母很疼爱孩子 (fùmǔ hěn téng'ài háizi) the parents dote on their child.
- Combines 疼 (to ache with tenderness) + 爱; specifically the doting, protective love of elders for juniors.
- Directional: usually elders → children/juniors. Distinguish from plain 爱 (ài) and 喜欢 (xǐhuan); 疼爱 adds cherishing tenderness.
Example sentences
- 妈妈很疼爱我。 Māma hěn téng'ài wǒ.Mom loves me very much.