Definition

1. Verb (archaic):
   • To favor, to dote upon, to treat as a favorite: To show excessive or special affection and preferential treatment, typically used in a historical context to describe the relationship of a monarch or person of high status towards a particular consort, concubine, or courtier.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Vị vua ấy chỉ sủng ái một người phi tần duy nhất. (That king only favored one particular concubine.)
  • Bà ta từng là một cung nữ được sủng ái. (She was once a court maid who was doted upon.)
  • Sự sủng ái của hoàng đế thường gây nên lòng ghen tị trong hậu cung. (The emperor's favor often bred jealousy within the royal harem.)

Advanced Usage

• The word sủng ái is almost exclusively used in historical or literary contexts, particularly when discussing royal courts, harems, or feudal hierarchies. It implies a power dynamic where favor is bestowed from a superior to a subordinate.
• In modern usage, it can be employed metaphorically or ironically to describe someone being the clear favorite in a group, though this is less common.

Variants and Related Words

• Sủng hạnh (verb, archaic): To bestow the honor of one's favor or intimate attention (often used specifically for a monarch summoning a consort).
  • Mỹ nữ mong đợi được vua sủng hạnh. (The beauty awaited the king's summons.)
• Sủng phi (noun): A favored royal consort or concubine.
  • Bà là một sủng phi nổi tiếng trong triều đại đó. (She was a famous favored consort during that dynasty.)
• Ái (verb): To love. This is the root component meaning "love" or "affection."

Synonyms

• To favor: To give special treatment or approval.
• To dote upon: To be excessively fond of.
• To pamper: To treat with excessive indulgence (can be a close synonym in context).
• To cherish: To hold dear (less hierarchical than sủng ái).

Related Concepts

• Ân sủng (noun): Grace, favor, benevolence (often from a superior). This is a related noun form meaning the "favor" itself.
  • Nhờ ân sủng của nhà vua. (Thanks to the king's grace.)
• The concept is central to many historical dramas and novels, describing the volatile and influential nature of royal favoritism.

verb

1. (cũ) to favour, to treat as a favourite