Meaning and Usage
The verb "可愛がる" (かわいがる) means "to love," "to be affectionate," or "to cherish." It is often used to describe the affectionate treatment of someone or something, such as children, pets, or people you care about deeply.
Nuance
Using "可愛がる" implies a warm, tender feeling and often a protective attitude. It is stronger than just liking someone; it suggests a caring and nurturing relationship.
Common Collocations
- 子供を可愛がる: to love or cherish children
- ペットを可愛がる: to dote on a pet
- 可愛がって育てる: to raise with affection
Register and Politeness
"可愛がる" is a neutral verb suitable for both casual and formal contexts, but it is more common in everyday conversation and writing.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "可愛がる" with "好き" (to like). "可愛がる" carries a stronger emotional and caring nuance, often implying a protective or nurturing attitude, whereas "好き" is more general liking or preference.