爱怜 (ài lián) — to show tender affection for (often mixed with pity or protectiveness)
Definition
爱怜 (ài lián) is a literary verb meaning 'to feel tender affection tinged with pity' — used in writing, often for a child, animal, or vulnerable person. It is more formal and emotional than the everyday 疼爱, and adds a note of sympathy that 疼爱 lacks.
verb
to show tender affection for (often mixed with pity or protectiveness)
Examples
- 爱怜。Mǔ qīn ài lián dì fǔ mō zhe hái zi de tóu fa.The mother tenderly stroked her child's hair.
- 爱怜，。Tā yǎn zhōng chōng mǎn le ài lián, qīng qīng bào qǐ le nà zhī xiǎo māo.His eyes were full of tender affection as he gently picked up the little cat.
- 爱怜，。Lǎo rén duì sūn zi shí fēn ài lián, zǒng shì shě bu de ràng tā shòu yì diǎn wěi qu.The old man had great tender affection for his grandson, always unable to bear letting him suffer any grievance.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.