Japanese word

可愛がる

Pronunciation

Romajikawaigaru

Meaning

  • verbdote on

Example

祖母は犬を可愛がります。so bo wa inu o kawai ga ri ma su

Grandma dotes on the dog.

Illustration for 可愛がる (dote on)

More examples

父は末っ子を特に可愛がります。chichi wa sue kko o toku ni kawai ga ri ma su

Father especially dotes on the youngest child.

Core concept

Means caring for someone or something with affectionate attention and treating them as especially precious.

Common phrases

  • 子どもを可愛がるko do mo o kawai ga ru

    dote on children

  • 孫を可愛がるmago o kawai ga ru

    dote on one's grandchildren

  • ペットを可愛がるpe tto o kawai ga ru

    dote on pets

Similar words

慈しむitsukushimu: To care for someone or something with gentle, protective affection.
愛するaisuru: To feel and show deep affection for a person, animal, or thing.
甘やかすamayakasu: To treat someone too indulgently by allowing behavior that is usually restricted.

Definition in Japanese

人や動物を、深い愛情をもって世話をしたり優しく扱ったりする。hito ya dō butsu o fuka i ai jō o mo tte se wa o shi ta ri yasa shi ku atsuka tta ri su ru

Word origin

可愛がる (kawaigaru) is formed from 可愛い (kawaii, "cute") and がる (garu, "show signs of a feeling"), expressing treatment based on affection.

Usage tips

  • English "dote on" can suggest indulgence, while 可愛がる (kawaigaru) also commonly describes ordinary affectionate care for pets and children.

Other meanings

  • cherishverb
  • be fond ofverb

Opposites

  • 嫌うkiraudislikeverb
  • 冷遇するreigūsurutreat coldlyverb

Related words

  • 可愛がりkawaigariaffectionnoun

Word lists with this word