養 (yǎng) - To raise, rear, nurture & to support, provide for
養 · yǎng
To raise, rear, nurture;
to support, provide for;
to cultivate, develop;
to maintain, keep in good condition;
to recuperate, convalesce.
To raise, rear, nurtureto support, provide forto cultivate, develop
Usage highlights
Raise childrenSupport a familyKeep petsRecuperate healthCultivate plantsMaintain appearance
Usage & contexts
Examples
- She raises three children (養三個孩子).
- He is recuperating from illness (養病).
- We keep pets at home (養寵物).
- This job provides a good living (養家).
- They cultivate flowers in the garden (養花).
Collocations
- Raise children(養孩子)
- Support a family(養家)
- Keep pets(養寵物)
- Recuperate health(養生)
- Cultivate plants(養花)
- Maintain appearance(養顏)
Idioms
- Cultivate one's moral character and mind(修身養性)
- Accumulate strength and bide one's time(養精蓄銳)
- Support parents in their old age(養兒防老)
- Live in seclusion and cultivate virtue(韜光養晦)
- Keep a mistress(金屋藏嬌養)
Cultural background
FAQ- Deeply rooted in Confucian filial piety - children have duty to support elderly parents (養老).
- Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes 養生 (health preservation) through balanced lifestyle.
- Reflects agricultural society values of nurturing and cultivation.
- Associated with long-term investment in relationships and personal development.