嬖 (bì) - Favored, favorite & to dote on

嬖Tone 4

bì ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

嬖 · bì

Favored, favorite;

to dote on;

a favorite courtier or concubine;

to be infatuated with.

Favored, favoriteto dote ona favorite courtier or concubine

Usage highlights

Favored concubineFavorite ministerFavored womanTo dote onFavored eunuchFavored beauty

Synonyms

  • 宠— to dote on, to favor
  • 爱— to love, to cherish
  • 幸— to favor (of a ruler)

Antonyms

  • 恶— to dislike, to hate
  • 憎— to detest, to abhor
  • 嫌— to dislike, to suspicion

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The emperor favored his concubine (嬖妾).
  • He was a favorite minister of the ruler (嬖臣).
  • She was the king's beloved (嬖爱).
  • The lord was infatuated with a courtesan (嬖女).

Collocations

  • Favored concubine(嬖妾)
  • Favorite minister(嬖臣)
  • Favored woman(嬖女)
  • To dote on(嬖爱)
  • Favored eunuch(嬖宦)
  • Favored beauty(嬖艳)

Idioms

  • Doting on the beautiful(嬖宠艳妻)
  • Favored by the sovereign(主上见嬖)
  • The ruler's favorite(君之嬖臣)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient Chinese courts, '嬖' referred to individuals, especially women and courtiers, who gained special favor with the ruler, often leading to political influence.
  • The term carries a somewhat negative connotation, implying favoritism that could disrupt proper court hierarchy and governance.
  • Historical texts often use '嬖' to describe relationships that were considered improper or excessive.

FAQ