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爱惜
ài xī
What does "爱惜" mean in English?
cherish and treasure我们应该爱惜每一滴水。
We should cherish every drop of water.
How to use "爱惜" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
formal
To cherish and treasure something because it is valuable or scarce, often implying gentle care to prevent damage or waste.
他爱惜自己的书，从不乱扔。
He cherishes his books and never throws them around.
我们要爱惜时间，不要浪费。
We should cherish time and not waste it.
Often used for physical objects (e.g., books, clothes) or abstract concepts (e.g., time, health).
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with '爱护'
'爱惜' emphasizes cherishing due to scarcity or value, while '爱护' (to take good care of) focuses on protection from damage. Compare: '爱惜书本' (cherish books due to their value) vs. '爱护书本' (take care of books to avoid damage).
Gold Rule
When to use '爱惜'
Use '爱惜' when the subject is valuable/limited (e.g., time, health, resources) and the speaker implies both affection and caution against waste. It’s stronger than '珍惜' in emphasizing gentle care.
Word Origin
Composed of 爱 (ài, 'to love') and 惜 (xī, 'to cherish'), both characters dating back to Old Chinese. The compound emphasizes both affection and careful preservation.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, often in moral or educational contexts (e.g., '爱惜粮食'/'cherish food'). The object is typically something valuable or limited.
Word Breakdown
爱
to love; to like
root惜
to cherish; to pity
root汉英词典