宠物
chǒngwù · HSK 6
pet
🐾 宠物 = chǒng (dote on/pamper) + wù (thing); a pampered thing
宠 means to favor or pamper (think of doting on someone); 物 is the generic word for thing or object. A 宠物 is literally a pampered creature — the kind of being you spoil with treats and attention.
宠 — roof 宀 + dragon 龙
宠 combines the roof radical 宀 with 龙 (dragon), suggesting a dragon kept under one's roof — something treasured and favored. The traditional form 寵 uses 龍, where 龍 also hints at the sound. The meaning evolved from 'to favor' or 'dote on' to the modern senses of 'pet' and 'spoil'.