寵

Asymmetrical favor—affection or indulgence bestowed by a superior upon an inferior (e.g., ruler to consort, parent to child, sovereign to official). Often implies a level of indulgence that may be disproportionate to the recipient's merit.

• Verb: To dote upon; to favor; to treat with special indulgence.
• Abstract Noun: Favor; the state of being favored (e.g., 恩寵). In political contexts, often characterized as a volatile currency that can be gained or lost abruptly.
• Concrete Noun: The "Favorite." Refers to the status of the person rather than a specific biological role; applicable to any individual (official, eunuch, child, consort) holding special favor.

• vs. 恩 (ēn): 恩 is typically based on merit, obligation, or a debt of gratitude, and is generally more stable and formal than 寵.
• vs. 愛 (ài): 愛 denotes broad affection; 寵 specifically implies the act of spoiling or elevating through favor.

• Readings: Tang-period //tjiǒng//; Fanqie 丑隴.
• Variants: Simplified variant 宠 (U+5BA0); semantic variant U+205A5<kFenn.

In court or political texts, avoid rendering 寵 with purely positive domestic connotations (e.g., "pampered"). In these contexts, being the favorite of a ruler often signals a precarious position that invites jealousy and institutional instability.