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B1 noun #8,000 am häufigsten 8 Min. Lesezeit

養生

youjou Top 8,000

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Erklärung 養生 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '養生' (yōjō) yourself, but you might hear it in very polite settings. Think of it as a very fancy way to say 'Take care.' If you are sick and your Japanese teacher says 'お大事に' (O-daiji ni), that is A1. If they say 'しっかり養生してください' (Shikkari yōjō shite kudasai), they are being very formal and kind. At this level, just remember that the 'yō' part sounds like 'young' and it's about staying 'young' and healthy. You might also see it on green tape in a 100-yen shop. That tape is for protecting things, not for your body! Just think of 'yōjō' as 'super care.'

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At the A2 level, you can start to recognize '養生' (yōjō) in health-related contexts. You might see it in simple health brochures or on signs at a construction site. Remember that 'yōjō suru' is a verb that means 'to take care of one's health.' For example, if you have a cold, you can tell your boss, '家で養生します' (I will recuperate at home). This sounds much more professional than just saying 'I will sleep.' Also, learn the phrase '養生テープ' (yōjō tēpu) because you will need it if you ever move house in Japan. It's the green tape that doesn't leave sticky marks on the walls.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use '養生' (yōjō) in both its health and technical meanings. You should understand that it is a 'suru-verb' and can be used in the passive or continuous forms. For example, '養生中' (yōjō-chū) means 'currently recuperating' or 'currently being protected/cured.' In a business email, you can use 'ご養生ください' (go-yōjō kudasai) to show high-level politeness when someone is unwell. You should also be aware of the difference between this and '休憩' (kyūkei - a short break). 'Yōjō' is for recovery, not just a rest from work.

At the B2 level, you should understand the cultural and historical nuances of '養生' (yōjō). You should be familiar with the concept of 'Yōjō-hō' (health methods) and how it relates to traditional East Asian medicine. You should also be comfortable using it in technical contexts, such as 'concrete curing' or 'surface protection' in architecture. At this level, you should notice that 'yōjō' is often used in formal writing and news reports rather than casual slang. You can distinguish it from synonyms like '療養' (ryōyō), which is used for more serious medical treatments in hospital settings.

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At the C1 level, you should explore the philosophical roots of '養生' (yōjō), particularly the 'Yōjōkun' by Kaibara Ekken. This involves understanding how the concept of 'nurturing life' influenced Japanese society's view on longevity and daily habits. You should be able to use the word in abstract discussions about public health and the environment. In a professional setting, you should know how to use the word in complex sentences involving architectural specifications or medical recovery protocols. You should also be able to explain the etymology of the kanji 養 (to nurture) and 生 (life) to others.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of '養生' (yōjō). You can use it in academic papers, legal documents regarding construction safety, or high-level literary analysis. You understand its nuances in various dialects and its historical evolution from a Taoist-influenced health concept to a modern industrial term. You can effortlessly switch between the 'health' and 'construction' meanings without confusion, even in pun-heavy or metaphorical contexts. You might even use it metaphorically to describe 'nurturing' a project or a relationship to ensure its long-term 'health' and stability.

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養生 in 30 Sekunden

Yōjō means nurturing health and recuperating from illness.
It is a formal and polite way to suggest someone rest.
Technically, it refers to protecting surfaces during construction or moving.
In engineering, it describes the curing process of materials like concrete.

The Japanese word 養生 (ようじょう - yōjō) is a multifaceted term that bridges the gap between personal wellness and technical preservation. At its core, it refers to the act of nurturing life or maintaining health. For an English speaker, the most direct translations are 'recuperation,' 'health care,' or 'taking care of oneself.' However, the word carries a historical weight that implies a holistic approach to living well, rather than just the absence of disease.

The Philosophical Origin: The term is famously associated with the Edo-period scholar Kaibara Ekken, who wrote the 'Yōjōkun' (The Book of Life-Nurturing). In this context, it isn't just about medicine; it is about diet, exercise, and mental state. It suggests that health is a responsibility one owes to oneself and one's family.
The Technical Shift: In modern Japan, you will see this word in a completely different context: construction and moving. Here, it means 'protection' or 'curing.' When workers put plastic sheets over your furniture or tape down cardboard on the floor of an elevator during a move, they call this 'yōjō.' They are 'nurturing' or 'caring for' the surfaces to prevent damage.

退院した後は、しばらく自宅で養生してください。
(After you are discharged, please recuperate at home for a while.)

Understanding when to use this word requires distinguishing between the animate and inanimate. When applied to people, it is formal and caring. You might say it to a colleague who has a cold or a grandparent recovering from surgery. It sounds much more professional and sincere than a simple 'rest well.' It implies a period of intentional recovery where the person focuses solely on getting their strength back.

工事の前に、床の養生をしっかり行います。
(Before the construction, we will thoroughly protect the floor.)

Finally, the word is used in materials science. When concrete is poured, it needs time to set and reach its full strength under controlled conditions. This process is called 'concrete yōjō' (curing). Just as a human body needs time and the right environment to heal, concrete needs the right temperature and moisture to become strong. This linguistic bridge—treating inanimate objects with the same care as a living body—is a beautiful aspect of the Japanese language.

Using 養生 (yōjō) correctly depends heavily on whether you are using it as a noun or a suru-verb (養生する). In daily conversation, it is most frequently encountered in the imperative or suggestive form when someone is unwell.

Health Context (Animate): When talking about people, 'yōjō' refers to the process of recovery. It is often paired with 'gā' (は) or 'shite' (して). For example, 'O-karada o o-yōjō kudasai' (Please take care of your body/health) is a very polite and standard way to end a letter to someone who is sick.

無理をせず、十分養生に努めてください。
(Don't overdo it; please strive to recuperate fully.)

Technical Context (Inanimate): In construction or painting, 'yōjō' is an action performed on a surface. You 'do yōjō' (養生をする) or 'apply yōjō' (養生を施す). This usually involves 'yōjō tēpu' (curing tape/masking tape), which is a specific type of green or blue tape that doesn't leave residue.

ペンキを塗る前に、窓枠を養生テープで保護した。
(Before painting, I protected the window frames with masking tape.)

Another common pattern is 'yōjō-chū' (養生中), meaning 'currently recuperating' or 'under protection.' If you see a sign on a wet floor or a newly painted wall, it might just say '養生中' to warn people not to touch it. Similarly, a person might say 'Tadaima yōjō-chū desu' to explain why they are not attending a social event.

彼は病気で養生中なので、面会は控えてください。
(He is currently recuperating from an illness, so please refrain from visiting.)

You will encounter 養生 (yōjō) in several distinct environments in Japan, ranging from the highly clinical to the gritty world of blue-collar labor. Understanding these contexts will help you decode which meaning is intended.

1. Hospitals and Clinics: Doctors and nurses use this word when giving discharge instructions. It sounds authoritative yet compassionate. If a doctor says 'O-daiji ni' (Take care), that's common. If they say 'Yōjō ga hitsuyō desu' (Recuperation is necessary), they are giving you a medical directive to stay in bed and follow a regimen.
2. Construction Sites and DIY Stores: Go to any 'Home Center' (hardware store) like Cainz or Hands, and you will find a whole section labeled '養生用品' (Yōjō yōhin). This includes blue tarps, plastic sheets with tape attached (masukā), and the ubiquitous green 'yōjō tape.' In this setting, the word is purely functional and refers to the prevention of scratches and stains.

引っ越し業者が、エレベーターの壁を養生パネルで覆った。
(The movers covered the elevator walls with protective panels.)

In traditional Japanese medicine (Kanpō) and wellness circles, 'yōjō' is a buzzword for lifestyle habits. You will find books titled 'Aki no Yōjō' (Autumn Wellness) or 'Taberu Yōjō' (Eating for Health). These focus on how to align your body with the natural world. It's the Japanese equivalent of 'self-care' but with a focus on longevity and balance rather than just pampering.

日々の養生が、長生きの秘訣です。
(Daily health care is the secret to longevity.)

While 養生 (yōjō) is a versatile word, English speakers often trip up by using it in situations where a simpler word for 'rest' or 'care' is required. Here are the most common pitfalls.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Yasumi' (Rest): If you are just tired after work, you don't 'yōjō.' You 'yasumu' (rest) or 'kyūkei suru' (take a break). 'Yōjō' implies a state of being unwell or a need for physical restoration. Using 'yōjō' for a coffee break sounds incredibly dramatic, as if you are recovering from a major ailment.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Chiryō' (Treatment): 'Chiryō' is what the doctor does to you (surgery, medication). 'Yōjō' is what you do for yourself (sleeping, eating right, staying calm). You cannot 'yōjō' a broken leg by yourself; you need 'chiryō' first, followed by a period of 'yōjō.'

× 疲れたから、5分だけ養生する。
○ 疲れたから、5分だけ休憩する。
(Correct: I'm tired, so I'll take a 5-minute break.)

In the construction context, the mistake is often forgetting that 'yōjō' refers to the *protection* of the surroundings, not the actual work. If you are painting a wall, the 'yōjō' is the taping and covering you do *before* you start painting. It is the preparation and safeguarding, not the creation.

× 傷口を養生テープで止めた。
○ 傷口を絆創膏で保護した。
(Correct: I protected the wound with a bandage. Never use 'yōjō tape' on skin!)

Japanese has several words that overlap with 養生 (yōjō). Choosing the right one depends on the formality and the specific type of care being discussed.

療養 (Ryōyō) vs. 養生 (Yōjō): Ryōyō is more clinical. It specifically means medical treatment combined with recuperation. You 'ryōyō' at a sanitarium or under a doctor's strict orders. Yōjō is broader and can include general health maintenance even when not specifically ill.
静養 (Seiyō) vs. 養生 (Yōjō): Seiyō focuses on 'quiet' (sei). It means to rest quietly to recover from mental or physical fatigue. It often implies going somewhere peaceful, like a hot spring, to recover. Yōjō is more active—it involves the 'nurturing' (yō) of health through various means.

温泉地で一週間ほど静養するつもりだ。
(I plan to rest quietly at a hot spring resort for about a week.)

Technical Alternatives: In technical fields, 保護 (Hogo) means 'protection' in a general sense. While you can 'hogo' a file on a computer or 'hogo' an endangered species, 'yōjō' is specifically used for the physical protection of surfaces during manual labor. You wouldn't use 'yōjō' for environmental protection.

Finally, consider 摂生 (Sessei). This means 'temperance' or 'looking after one's health by being moderate.' If someone drinks too much, you tell them to 'sessei' (be moderate). 'Yōjō' is about nurturing, while 'sessei' is about restraining. They are two sides of the same health coin.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji '養' (yō) originally depicted a person feeding a sheep, symbolizing nurturing or rearing.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /jəʊ.dʒəʊ/

US /joʊ.dʒoʊ/

Flat pitch accent in standard Japanese (Heiban style), meaning the pitch rises after the first syllable and stays high.

Reimt sich auf

Kōjō (factory) Hōjō (fertile) Dōjō (martial arts hall) Sōjō (monk rank) Tōjō (entry) Kyōjō (condition) Gōjō (stubborn) Hōjō (assistance)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it as 'yojo' (short vowels) instead of 'yōjō' (long vowels).
Confusing it with 'yōjo' (young girl).
Misplacing the 'u' sound (e.g., 'youjou').
Stress on the first syllable.
Hard 'g' sound instead of 'j'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Kanji are common but 養 is slightly complex for beginners.

Schreiben 4/5

Writing 養 correctly requires attention to stroke order and the bottom part (食).

Sprechen 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but long vowels must be clear.

Hören 2/5

Easily distinguishable in context.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

健康生活休む大事保護

Als Nächstes lernen

療養静養摂生回復工程

Fortgeschritten

未病貝原益軒剥離強度湿潤養生

Wichtige Grammatik

Suru-verbs as Nouns

養生は大切です。 (Recuperation is important.)

Polite Imperative (~shite kudasai)

ゆっくり養生してください。 (Please recuperate slowly.)

Honorific Prefix 'O'

お養生なさってください。 (Please take care of yourself - very formal.)

Compound Nouns (Noun + Noun)

養生期間 (Recuperation period).

Continuous State (~chū)

彼は養生中です。 (He is currently recuperating.)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

ゆっくり養生してください。

Please recuperate slowly/thoroughly.

Uses the te-form + kudasai for a polite request.

体をお養生ください。

Please take care of your body.

O-yōjō is a respectful form.

養生テープはどこですか？

Where is the masking tape?

Yōjō-tape is a compound noun.

彼は今、養生しています。

He is recuperating now.

Present continuous form of the suru-verb.

十分な養生が必要です。

Sufficient recuperation is necessary.

Noun + ga hitsuyō desu (X is necessary).

無理をせず養生してね。

Don't overdo it, and take care, okay?

Casual 'ne' ending for friendliness.

母は家で養生中です。

My mother is currently recuperating at home.

-chū indicates 'in the middle of'.

養生して、早く元気になってね。

Take care and get well soon.

Combining two verbs with the te-form.

風邪をひいたので、三日間養生しました。

I caught a cold, so I recuperated for three days.

Past tense of yōjō suru.

床を養生してから、ペンキを塗ります。

After protecting the floor, I will paint.

~te kara indicates sequence.

冬は温かいものを食べて養生しましょう。

Let's take care of ourselves by eating warm food in winter.

Volitional form (~mashō).

お医者さんに養生するように言われました。

The doctor told me to recuperate.

~yō ni iwaremashita (indirect command).

引っ越しの時は、壁の養生が大切です。

When moving, protecting the walls is important.

Noun + ga taisetsu desu (X is important).

養生のおかげで、すっかり良くなりました。

Thanks to the recuperation, I am completely better.

~no okage de (thanks to...).

仕事が忙しくても、養生を忘れないでください。

Even if work is busy, please don't forget to take care of yourself.

~te mo (even if).

養生シートを敷いて、汚れを防ぎます。

We prevent dirt by laying down protective sheets.

Compound noun: Yōjō-sheet.

手術後の養生が、回復の鍵を握っています。

Post-surgery recuperation holds the key to recovery.

Formal noun usage.

コンクリートの養生には、適切な湿度が必要です。

Curing concrete requires appropriate humidity.

Technical usage of 'curing'.

日頃の養生を怠ると、病気になりやすいです。

If you neglect daily health care, you are likely to get sick.

~to, ~yasui (if..., easy to...).

エレベーターの養生が不十分で、傷がついてしまった。

The protection of the elevator was insufficient, and it got scratched.

~te shimatta (regretful completion).

彼は一ヶ月の養生を経て、職場に復帰した。

After a month of recuperation, he returned to work.

~o hete (through/after a period of).

養生訓には、健康で長生きするための知恵が詰まっている。

The Yōjōkun is filled with wisdom for a long, healthy life.

Passive form: tsumatte iru.

塗装作業において、養生は最も重要な工程の一つだ。

In painting work, protection is one of the most important steps.

Formal 'da' ending.

季節の変わり目は、特に養生に気をつけてください。

Please be especially careful about your health during the change of seasons.

Particle 'ni' marking the object of care.

この建物は現在、外壁の養生が行われています。

This building is currently undergoing exterior wall protection.

Passive/Formal: okonawarete iru.

病み上がりなので、当分は養生に専念するつもりです。

Since I've just recovered from an illness, I intend to devote myself to recuperation for a while.

Sen-nen suru (to devote/concentrate).

適切な養生期間を設けないと、コンクリートの強度が不足する。

If an appropriate curing period is not established, the concrete strength will be insufficient.

Negative conditional: ~nai to.

精神的な養生も、現代人には不可欠な要素である。

Mental recuperation is also an indispensable element for modern people.

Abstract usage.

養生テープは、粘着力が弱く剥がしやすいのが特徴です。

The characteristic of masking tape is that its adhesive strength is weak and it's easy to peel off.

~no ga tokuchō desu (X is the characteristic).

古人の養生法を現代の生活に取り入れる。

Incorporating the health methods of the ancients into modern life.

~ni toriireru (incorporate into).

震災後、被災者の心の養生が喫緊の課題となった。

After the earthquake, the mental health care of the victims became an urgent issue.

Kikkin no kadai (urgent issue).

床面に養生マットを敷き詰め、搬入作業を開始した。

We laid out protective mats across the floor and began the move-in work.

Compound verb: shiki-tsumeru.

貝原益軒の『養生訓』は、江戸時代の健康観を象徴している。

Kaibara Ekken's 'Yōjōkun' symbolizes the Edo period's view on health.

Symbolizing: shōchō shite iru.

大規模修繕工事に伴い、マンション全体に養生が施された。

Along with the large-scale renovation work, protection was applied to the entire apartment building.

Ni tomonai (along with).

自己管理能力の一環として、養生の概念を再評価すべきだ。

As part of self-management ability, the concept of yōjō should be re-evaluated.

~beki da (should/ought to).

コンクリートの湿潤養生は、長期的な耐久性を確保するために欠かせない。

Moist curing of concrete is essential to ensure long-term durability.

Kakasenai (indispensable).

彼は都会の喧騒を離れ、山小屋で心身の養生に努めた。

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city, he strove for the recuperation of mind and body in a mountain hut.

Ken-sō o hanare (leaving the noise).

養生の極意は、過不足のない生活習慣にある。

The secret of yōjō lies in a lifestyle without excess or deficiency.

Gokui (secret/essence).

文化財の修復現場では、極めて慎重な養生が要求される。

At cultural property restoration sites, extremely cautious protection is required.

Passive: yōkyū sareru.

ストレス社会において、能動的な養生の実践が求められている。

In a stress-filled society, the practice of active self-care is being sought.

Nōdō-teki (active/proactive).

養生という言葉の深奥には、自然と人間との調和という思想が潜んでいる。

In the depths of the word 'yōjō' lies the philosophy of harmony between nature and humans.

Shin-ō (depths/mysteries).

橋梁の架設工事において、環境負荷を低減するための養生計画を策定する。

In bridge construction work, we formulate a protection plan to reduce environmental impact.

Sakutei suru (to formulate).

東洋医学における養生は、未病を防ぐという予防医学の先駆けであった。

Yōjō in Oriental medicine was a precursor to preventive medicine in terms of preventing 'pre-illness'.

Sakigake (pioneer/precursor).

厳冬期におけるコンクリートの給熱養生は、品質管理上の最重要事項だ。

Heat-supply curing of concrete during the severe winter is the most important matter for quality control.

Technical jargon: kyūnetsu-yōjō.

老境に入り、彼は自らの人生を養生の哲学に委ねることにした。

Entering his old age, he decided to entrust his life to the philosophy of yōjō.

Yudaneru (to entrust).

当該プロジェクトは、初期段階での丁寧な養生期間を経て、ようやく軌道に乗った。

The project, after a careful 'nurturing' period in the initial stages, has finally gotten on track.

Metaphorical usage.

養生テープの剥離強度の経時変化に関する研究論文を執筆する。

Writing a research paper on the change over time of the peel strength of masking tape.

Keiji-henka (change over time).

身体の養生を疎かにすることは、精神の荒廃を招くのと同義である。

Neglecting the care of the body is synonymous with inviting the devastation of the spirit.

Dōgi (synonymous).

Häufige Kollokationen

養生を促す

養生に努める

養生を施す

養生テープを貼る

十分な養生

養生期間

養生中

心身の養生

養生シート

お養生

Häufige Phrasen

お養生ください

— A polite way to say 'Please take care of yourself' when someone is ill.

お手紙の最後に「お養生ください」と書く。

養生が悪い

— Not taking proper care of oneself, leading to slow recovery.

養生が悪いから、風邪が長引くんだ。

養生を欠く

— To lack proper health care or protection.

養生を欠くと、建物が傷む。

養生を重ねる

— To continue taking great care of one's health over time.

養生を重ねて、百歳まで生きた。

養生を尽くす

— To do everything possible for recovery.

あらゆる養生を尽くしたが、効果がなかった。

養生に専念する

— To focus entirely on getting better.

今は養生に専念すべき時だ。

養生を言い渡される

— To be ordered by a doctor to rest.

医者に一週間の養生を言い渡された。

養生のおかげ

— Attributing recovery to good care.

養生のおかげで、予定より早く退院できた。

養生を怠る

— To neglect one's health or surface protection.

養生を怠ると、後で後悔する。

養生が行き届く

— To have perfect care or protection in place.

養生が行き届いた現場は美しい。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

養生 vs 休憩

Kyūkei is a short break (e.g., 10 minutes from work). Yōjō is long-term health care.

養生 vs 治療

Chiryō is medical treatment by a doctor. Yōjō is self-care and resting.

養生 vs 幼児

Yōji means 'infant.' Sounds similar but unrelated.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"養生は薬に勝る"

— Good health care/lifestyle is better than medicine.

日々の養生は薬に勝るというから、食事に気をつけよう。

Proverb

"命あっての物種"

— Life is the most important thing (often used with yōjō).

命あっての物種だから、しっかり養生しなさい。

General

"腹八分目に医者いらず"

— Eating until 80% full keeps the doctor away (a core yōjō concept).

腹八分目に医者いらず、これも養生の一つだ。

Proverb

"病は気から"

— Sickness starts from the mind (mental yōjō).

病は気からというし、養生中は明るく過ごそう。

General

"亀の甲より年の功"

— Wisdom comes with age (often regarding health tips).

おばあちゃんの養生法は、亀の甲より年の功だ。

Proverb

"早起きは三文の徳"

— The early bird catches the worm (a common yōjō habit).

早起きは三文の徳、養生のために早寝早起きする。

Proverb

"冷えは万病の元"

— Cold is the source of all illnesses (the basis for winter yōjō).

冷えは万病の元だから、足を温めて養生する。

Proverb

"健全なる精神は健全なる身体に宿る"

— A sound mind in a sound body.

養生によって身体を整えれば、心も健やかになる。

Philosophical

"医食同源"

— Medicine and food have the same source.

医食同源の考えに基づき、食事で養生する。

Proverb

"一病息災"

— Being healthier because one has one minor illness to worry about (and thus takes care).

一病息災というし、持病があるからこそ養生に励む。

Proverb

Leicht verwechselbar

養生 vs 養育

Both start with 'yō' (nurture).

Yōiku is about raising children or providing for them. Yōjō is about health.

子供を養育する vs 体を養生する。

養生 vs 養成

Both start with 'yō'.

Yōsei is about training or cultivating skills (e.g., teacher training).

プロを養成する。

養生 vs 静養

Both involve resting for health.

Seiyō emphasizes 'quietness' and mental rest, often at a resort. Yōjō is broader.

高原で静養する。

養生 vs 療養

Both involve recovery from illness.

Ryōyō is more clinical and serious, often involving medical facilities.

療養所に入る。

養生 vs 摂生

Both relate to lifestyle and health.

Sessei is specifically about moderation (not overeating/overdrinking).

不摂生を戒める。

Satzmuster

[Person] は養生しています。

田中さんは養生しています。

ゆっくり養生してください。

お家でゆっくり養生してください。

[Object] を養生する。

窓を養生テープで養生する。

[Condition] のため、養生が必要だ。

骨折のため、一ヶ月の養生が必要だ。

養生に [Verb: focus/strive]。

心身の養生に努める。

養生の [Noun: essence/philosophy]。

養生の極意を極める。

養生中につき [Action: refrain]。

養生中につき、お酒を控えています。

養生して、[Verb: get well]。

養生して、早く元気になってね。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

養生法

養生訓

養生テープ

養生シート

養生費

Verben

養生する

養生させる

Adjektive

養生的な

Verwandt

健康

回復

保護

摂生

療養

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in medical, construction, and formal correspondence.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'yōjō' for a 10-minute break. → 休憩 (Kyūkei)
Yōjō is for recovery from illness or long-term health, not a short work break.
Saying 'yōjō tape' when you mean a bandage for a wound. → 絆創膏 (Bansōkō)
Yōjō tape is industrial/plastic tape. Do not put it on human skin!
Using 'yōjō' to mean 'raising a child.' → 養育 (Yōiku)
While both use the 'yō' kanji, 'yōjō' is only for health maintenance, not child-rearing.
Forgetting the long vowels (saying 'yojo'). → 養生 (Yōjō)
Shortening the vowels changes the meaning or makes it unintelligible.
Using it for animals (e.g., 'the dog is yōjō-ing'). → 療養 (Ryōyō) or simple 'yasumu'.
Yōjō is primarily used for humans or construction. For pets, 'ryōyō' is more common in medical contexts.

Tipps

The Edo Health Craze

The word became famous because of a book called 'Yōjōkun' in the 1700s. It was a bestseller that taught people how to live long lives!

Moving Day Must-Have

If you move in Japan, buy 'yōjō tape.' It's better than regular tape because it won't peel the paint off your walls.

Kanji Breakdown

養 (Nurture) + 生 (Life). It literally means 'Nurturing Life.' Think of it as investing in your future self.

Medical vs. DIY

Remember the split! If you're at the hospital, it's health. If you're at the hardware store, it's protection.

Email Etiquette

Ending an email to a sick boss with 'Go-yōjō kudasai' makes you look extremely professional and thoughtful.

Taoist Roots

The term comes from ancient Taoist practices about balancing energy. It's not just physical; it's spiritual.

Concrete Curing

Engineers use 'yōjō' to describe the most critical phase of construction. Without it, buildings would crumble.

Winter Care

Japanese people often talk about 'fuyu no yōjō' (winter care). This usually involves keeping the neck and ankles warm.

Young Joe

Just remember 'Young Joe' wants to live forever. He's the king of Yōjō!

Not just a nap

A nap is 'hirune.' Yōjō is a lifestyle choice to get your health back on track.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Young Joe' (Yōjō). Young Joe wants to stay young forever, so he takes great care of his health and 'yōjōs' every day.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a roll of green tape (yōjō tape) wrapping around a sick person like a warm blanket to protect them.

Word Web

Health Curing Tape Construction Recuperation Nurture Longevity Protection

Herausforderung

Try to use 'yōjō' in a sentence today to describe either your own health routine or how you protect your smartphone screen.

Wortherkunft

Borrowed from Classical Chinese 'Yang-sheng'. The concept dates back to Taoist practices of life cultivation.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Nurturing life or vital energy to achieve longevity.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Kultureller Kontext

When telling someone to 'yōjō,' ensure you use polite forms (kudasai) so it doesn't sound like you are bossing them around while they are sick.

The concept of 'recuperation' is similar, but 'yōjō' is more commonly used in daily life than the English word, which sounds a bit medical.

Yōjōkun by Kaibara Ekken (Philosophical text) Modern 'Yōjō' magazines for seniors Japanese construction site 'Safety First' posters

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Hospital Discharge

しばらく養生が必要です。
自宅での養生法。
養生に専念してください。
お大事に、ご養生ください。

Moving House

壁の養生をお願いします。
養生テープで固定する。
養生マットを敷く。
エレベーターの養生。

Construction/Painting

養生作業を始める。
養生シートを剥がす。
コンクリートの養生期間。
窓枠の養生。

Winter Health Advice

冬の養生法。
体を温めて養生する。
日々の養生が大切。
無理な外出を控えて養生する。

Business Email (Sick Colleague)

ご養生ください。
養生中と伺いました。
養生に努めてください。
一日も早いご回復とご養生を。

Gesprächseinstiege

"最近、何か健康のために養生していることはありますか？ (Is there anything you are doing for your health recently?)"

"風邪をひいた時、どんな養生法が一番効果的だと思いますか？ (When you have a cold, what health method do you think is most effective?)"

"日本の「養生テープ」って、本当に便利だと思いませんか？ (Don't you think Japanese masking tape is really convenient?)"

"手術した後の養生期間は、どのくらいでしたか？ (How long was your recuperation period after surgery?)"

"江戸時代の養生訓について、何か知っていますか？ (Do you know anything about the Yōjōkun from the Edo period?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

もし一週間、養生に専念できるとしたら、どこで何をしたいですか？ (If you could devote yourself to recuperation for a week, where and what would you want to do?)

あなたが普段心がけている養生法について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about the health methods you usually follow.)

「養生」という言葉の、人に対する意味と物に対する意味の違いについて考えを述べてください。 (State your thoughts on the difference between the meaning of 'yōjō' for people versus objects.)

最近、周囲で養生が必要そうな人はいますか？その人にどんな言葉をかけたいですか？ (Is there anyone around you who seems to need some recuperation? What would you like to say to them?)

日本の建設現場の「養生」の丁寧さについて、あなたの意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion on the meticulousness of 'yōjō' at Japanese construction sites.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Technically yes, but it sounds a bit too formal or even sarcastic. You would usually just say 'yasumu' (rest). Using 'yōjō' implies a more serious need for recovery.

It is a low-tack adhesive tape, usually green or blue, used to protect surfaces. It's famous in Japan for being easy to tear by hand and leaving no residue, making it perfect for temporary protection.

Yes, 'shinshin no yōjō' (care of mind and body) is a common phrase. It implies taking a holistic approach to recover from stress or burnout.

You might hear it in historical anime or when a character is seriously injured and told to stay in bed. It's not a 'cool' or 'slangy' word.

If a client is sick, write 'どうぞご養生ください' (Please take care/recuperate). It shows you respect their health and are professional.

No, for plants you would use 'sodateru' (to grow) or 'kanri suru' (to manage). 'Yōjō' is specifically for humans or construction surfaces.

It means 'curing.' After pouring concrete, you must keep it wet and at the right temperature so it hardens correctly without cracking. This is called 'yōjō'.

Yes, it is considered a sophisticated and polite word. Using it instead of 'yasumi' shows a higher level of Japanese proficiency.

The most direct opposite is 'fusessei' (neglecting health) or 'muri' (overworking/pushing too hard).

Yes, if you are painting it or doing repairs, you can 'yōjō' the parts you don't want to get dirty with plastic and tape.

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