Nuance Dictionary / Love & Affection
애지중지하다 ae-ji-jung-ji-ha-da
To cherish and dote on someone or something dearly
What does 애지중지하다 mean?
애지중지하다 (ae-ji-jung-ji-ha-da) means: To cherish and dote on someone or something dearly.
A four-character-style phrase for treating something like a treasure — a grandmother who keeps her one photo of her late husband wrapped in cloth in a drawer '애지중지한다' it. It implies careful, protective devotion.
How it's actually used
- 우리 할머니는 그 옛날 사진 한 장을 아직도 애지중지하신다.
uri halmeonineun geu yetnal sajin han jangeul ajikdo aejijungjihasinda.
My grandmother still dearly cherishes that single old photograph.
💡 Can be used for both people and precious objects. - 엄마가 애지중지하던 화분이 결국 죽어버렸어.
eommaga aejijungjihadeon hwabuni gyeolguk jugeobeoryeosseo.
The potted plant my mom doted on and cared for so dearly ended up dying.
💡 Often used in the past modifier form (-하던). - 할머니께서는 젊은 시절에 사신 그 낡은 카메라를 아직도 애지중지하신다.
halmeonikeseoneun jeolmun sijeore sasin geu nalgeun kamerareul ajikdo aegijungjihasinda.
Grandmother still cherishes the old camera she bought in her youth like it's her most precious treasure.
💡 Used for prized possessions as well as beloved people.
Related words in Love & Affection
애틋하다 ae-teut-ha-da애교 ae-gyo애정하다 ae-jeong-ha-da사랑스럽다 sa-rang-seu-reop-da정들다 jeong-deul-da