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爱戴 (ài dài) — to love and respect (a superior, leader, or elder)

Definition

爱戴 is the formal written verb for 'love and respect' directed UPWARD at a respected figure (leader, elder). Unlike 敬爱 it emphasizes being the object of public reverence; unlike 热爱 it is not about passion but esteem.

verb
to love and respect (a superior, leader, or elder)

Examples

  • 爱戴。
    Zhè wèi xiào zhǎng shēn shòu shī shēng men de ài dài.
    This principal is deeply loved and respected by teachers and students.
  • 爱戴。
    Rén mín ài dài zhè wèi wěi dà de kē xué jiā.
    The people love and respect this great scientist.
  • 爱戴。
    Tā yīn wèi zhèng zhí hé shàn liáng ér shòu dào dà jiā de ài dài.
    He is loved and respected by everyone because of his integrity and kindness.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

爱àilove
戴dàirespect

爱 and 戴 both express positive regard; together they mean love and respect.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 愛; 爱 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
心心xīnheart
Sound part声符shēngfú
旡
旡jì愛ài
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

For the traditional form 愛, an older shape paired 心 (heart) with 旡 as its sound part; later a foot-like 夊 was added below. The simplified 爱 is a later variant that replaces the lower part with 友.

Open 爱 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

戴 originally drew a person holding something on their head with both hands.

Open 戴 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 6Emotions & FeelingsSocial Roles & Status

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