godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
be affectionate to; dote on; cherish
Used for showing fondness and care toward a child, junior, pet, or someone close; often implies warm, protective affection.
祖父母は初孫をとても可愛がっている。
The grandparents are very affectionate toward their first grandchild.
彼女は拾った猫
She cherished the cat she had found as if it were family.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
show favoritism to; be partial to
The same affectionate treatment can be viewed negatively when it is selective or unfair, especially in schools, workplaces, or teams.
先生が一部の生徒だけを可愛がると、不公平に感じられる。
When a teacher favors only some students, it feels unfair.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
pet; caress; fondle affectionately
Often overlaps with the affection sense, but can focus on physical affectionate handling, especially of animals or small children.
子犬の頭をなでながら、しばらく可愛がった。
I petted the puppy for a while, stroking its head.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
be tough on; rough up; train harshly; torment
Colloquial ironic use, often in the phrase 可愛がってやる; it can sound threatening, like hazing, rough treatment, or harsh training rather than affection.
先輩は新入部員に「今日はたっぷり可愛がってやる」と言った。
The senior member told the new club members, "I'll really put you through it today."
合宿では先輩にずいぶん可愛がられ、毎日走らされた。
At training camp, the seniors were really tough on us and made us run every day.