可愛がる

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 可愛がる is read as かわいがる and is a transitive verb for treating a person or animal with fondness and affection.
• Basic usage: Showing affection toward a cat appears in 猫を可愛がる, while cherishing a player like a younger brother appears in 選手を弟のように可愛がる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 可愛い
  • 可愛がる describes showing affection rather than judging something cute.