Definition

1. Verb:
   • To favor / To show special affection to: Specifically refers to a monarch or ruler bestowing special romantic or sexual attention upon a consort, concubine, or court lady. It implies a hierarchical relationship where the favor comes from a position of supreme power.
   • To be in favor / To receive favor: Describes the state of a consort or concubine being the current object of the ruler's special affection and intimacy.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Vị vua ấy thường sủng hạnh một tiệp dư trẻ tuổi. (That king often favored a young palace maid.)
  • Bà ấy từng được sủng hạnh trong nhiều năm liền. (She was once in the emperor's favor for many consecutive years.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in a historical or literary context, describing relationships within royal or imperial harems. It is not used for modern, egalitarian relationships.
• It carries a connotation of temporary and precarious privilege, dependent entirely on the ruler's whims.

Variants and Related Words

• Sủng ái (v): A slightly more general term for a superior's favor or affection, which can be used in royal contexts but also for parental or patron favor. It is less specifically tied to romantic/sexual favor.
• Được sủng (v): A shorter, colloquial form meaning "to be favored."

Synonyms

• To favor: To show preferential treatment.
• To be the favorite: To be the preferred one, especially in a court setting.

Related Idioms

• Được sủng hạnh: To be the recipient of the royal favor.
  • Khi được sủng hạnh, địa vị của bà trong hậu cung cũng thay đổi. (When she received the emperor's favor, her status within the inner court also changed.)