赡养费
At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex legal definitions of 赡养费 (shànyǎngfèi). Instead, think of it as 'money for family.' In Chinese culture, family is very important. Children often give money to their parents to help them buy food or clothes. This is part of being a 'good child.' You can think of this word as three parts: 赡 (shàn) which is a special word for helping old people, 养 (yǎng) which means to take care of someone (like a pet or a baby), and 费 (fèi) which means money or a fee.
Even though this is a B2 word, you might hear it if you watch Chinese TV shows. You will see children giving an envelope of money to their mom and dad. That money is the 赡养费. At this level, just remember: 赡养费 = money for parents. You can use it in a simple sentence like '我给爸爸妈妈钱' (I give dad and mom money), but the formal word for that money is 赡养费. It is a noun, so you use it like 'the money' (这个费). Don't worry about the hard character 赡 for now; just try to recognize the 费 at the end, which you see in words like 学费 (xuefei - school fee) or 水费 (shuifei - water bill). All these words are about paying for something important.
At the A2 level, you are learning more about daily life and family relationships. 赡养费 (shànyǎngfèi) is a word used when talking about responsibilities. In China, it is not just a choice to give money to your parents; it is a rule. When you are an adult and you have a job, you should help your parents if they are old. This money is called 赡养费. You will often see this word paired with the verb 给 (gěi - to give) or 支付 (zhīfù - to pay). For example, '他每个月给父母赡养费' (He gives his parents support money every month).
You should also know that this word is different from the money you give to children. If you have a child and you pay for their school and food, that is called 抚养费 (fǔyǎngfèi). The middle character is different! 赡 (shàn) is for old people, and 抚 (fǔ) is for young people. At A2, try to remember this difference. You might hear people talking about how much 赡养费 they need to pay. It is a common topic because life in big cities is expensive. If you are learning about Chinese culture, knowing that children must legally support their parents is a very important fact, and 赡养费 is the name for that support.
As a B1 learner, you can start to understand the social context of 赡养费 (shànyǎngfèi). This term is frequently used in discussions about the 'sandwich generation' (压力山大的一代), who must support both their children and their aging parents. The word appears in news articles, social media posts, and legal dramas. You should be able to use it in more complex sentences, such as '由于生活成本增加,他决定增加给父母的赡养费' (Due to the increase in the cost of living, he decided to increase the support money for his parents). Notice the use of '增加' (zēngjiā - to increase) here.
You will also encounter 赡养费 in the context of divorce. In English, we use the word 'alimony.' In Chinese, while 赡养费 is sometimes used for spousal support, it most commonly refers to the money paid to elderly parents. If a court is involved, the judge will look at the child's income and the parents' needs to decide the '数额' (shù'é - amount). You should also be aware of the verb 履行 (lǚxíng - to fulfill/perform). A common phrase is '履行赡养义务' (to fulfill the duty of support). This shows that 赡养费 is not just about money, but about a legal and moral duty (义务). Understanding this word helps you engage in deeper conversations about Chinese society and family values.
At the B2 level, you should be precise with your terminology. 赡养费 (shànyǎngfèi) is a formal noun that carries legal weight. It is defined under the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China. You need to distinguish it clearly from 抚养费 (fǔyǎngfèi) (child support) and 扶养费 (fúyǎngfèi) (spousal or sibling support). In professional or legal settings, using the wrong term can lead to significant misunderstandings. For instance, a '赡养纠纷' (shànyǎng jiūfēn) is specifically a dispute over elder support, not a child custody battle.
You should also be familiar with the verbs that collocate with this word in formal Chinese: 核定 (hédìng - to check and ratify), 拖欠 (tuōqiàn - to be in arrears), and 追讨 (zhuītǎo - to demand payment of a debt). For example, '如果子女拒绝支付赡养费,父母可以向法院提起诉讼' (If children refuse to pay support, parents can file a lawsuit in court). You should also understand the cultural nuances, such as the fact that 赡养费 includes not just food and housing, but also 医疗费 (yīliáofèi - medical expenses) and 护理费 (hùlǐfèi - nursing fees). Being able to discuss the economic pressure of the '4-2-1 family structure' (four grandparents, two parents, one child) using terms like 赡养费 demonstrates a high level of linguistic and cultural competence.
At the C1 level, you are expected to handle 赡养费 (shànyǎngfèi) within the framework of complex legal and sociological arguments. You should be able to discuss the evolution of the 'Elderly Protection Law' and how the definition of 赡养费 has expanded to include emotional support (though the 'fee' part remains financial). In high-level debates, you might encounter the term in discussions about '社会化养老' (socialized elder care) versus '居家养老' (home-based elder care), and how the state's role interacts with the individual's obligation to pay 赡养费.
Your usage should include sophisticated sentence structures and formal vocabulary. For example: '赡养费的给付不仅是法律强制的义务,更是中华民族传统美德的体现' (The payment of support fees is not only a legally mandated obligation but also an embodiment of the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation). You should also be able to analyze case studies where the '支付标准' (payment standard) is contested based on the '当地平均生活水平' (local average living standard). Furthermore, you should understand the implications of 赡养费 on inheritance rights, as the law often links the two. A C1 learner should be able to read a court verdict regarding a '赡养费纠纷' and summarize the legal reasoning behind the decided amount, including the consideration of the '被赡养人' (the person being supported) and the '赡养义务人' (the person with the duty to support).
At the C2 level, your mastery of 赡养费 (shànyǎngfèi) should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker with a legal or academic background. You should be able to engage in nuanced critiques of the current legal system's handling of 赡养费, perhaps discussing the '执行难' (difficulty of enforcement) problem in rural versus urban areas. You should be able to contrast the Chinese concept of 赡养费 with international concepts of 'alimony' or 'filial responsibility laws' in other jurisdictions, using precise comparative terminology.
You should also be comfortable with the word's appearance in classical or semi-formal contexts that influence modern law. While the term itself is modern, the concepts behind it—孝 (xiào - filial piety) and 反哺 (fǎnbǔ - the young feeding the old)—are ancient. A C2 speaker might use the word in a philosophical discussion about the shifting social contract in a post-industrial China, where the traditional 'family-as-pension' model is under strain. You should be able to navigate the most technical legal documents, such as the '最高人民法院关于适用《中华人民共和国民法典》婚姻家庭编的解释' (Interpretations of the Supreme People's Court on the Marriage and Family Section of the Civil Code), where 赡养费 is defined with extreme precision. Your ability to use the word should extend to subtle irony or rhetorical use in high-level literature or political commentary, reflecting a deep understanding of its emotional and social resonance in the Chinese psyche.
赡养费 in 30 Sekunden
- 赡养费 (shànyǎngfèi) is a noun meaning alimony or elder support money, primarily used for children supporting parents or spousal maintenance in legal contexts.
- It is a B2-level word essential for discussing Chinese law, family responsibilities, and the traditional values of filial piety (孝道) in modern society.
- The term is strictly distinguished from 抚养费 (child support) and 扶养费 (spousal support), though it is often used as a general term for 'maintenance.'
- Commonly paired with verbs like 支付 (pay), 拖欠 (be in arrears), and 索要 (demand), reflecting its status as a formal legal and financial obligation.
The term 赡养费 (shàn yǎng fèi) is a critical noun in the Chinese legal and social lexicon, primarily referring to the financial support provided to dependents. While often translated as 'alimony' in Western contexts, its application in Chinese culture and law is significantly broader and deeply rooted in the Confucian tradition of filial piety. In the most common usage within Mainland China, it specifically refers to the money children are legally and morally obligated to provide to their elderly parents. However, it also encompasses maintenance payments between spouses following a separation or divorce, though legal purists might distinguish this as 扶养费 (fúyǎngfèi).
- Legal Obligation
- In China, the 'Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Elderly' mandates that adult children must provide for the basic living needs of their parents, including 赡养费 if the parents cannot support themselves.
Understanding the individual characters helps clarify the word's weight. 赡 (shàn) carries the meaning of 'to support' or 'to provide for,' often with a connotation of sufficiency and care. 养 (yǎng) means 'to raise,' 'to nourish,' or 'to maintain.' Finally, 费 (fèi) simply means 'fee' or 'expense.' Together, they form a concept that is not just about a transaction, but about the sustenance of life and the fulfillment of familial duty. You will encounter this word in news reports about celebrity divorces, legal disputes involving elderly neglect, and in everyday discussions about the financial burdens of the 'sandwich generation'—those supporting both children and aging parents.
离婚后,他每个月需要支付一大笔赡养费给他的前妻和年迈的父母。(After the divorce, he needs to pay a large amount of alimony/elder support to his ex-wife and elderly parents every month.)
- Cultural Nuance
- Unlike many Western societies where elder support is primarily a state or personal savings matter, in China, 赡养费 represents a legal enforcement of the moral code where the family is the primary social safety net.
The word is used in formal legal documents, court rulings, and mediation sessions. When a court determines the amount of 赡养费, it considers the payer's income, the local cost of living, and the specific needs of the recipient. In recent years, as China's population ages, the frequency of lawsuits regarding 赡养费 has increased, making it a hot topic in sociological research and public policy debates. It reflects the tension between traditional family structures and the modern, fast-paced economic reality where adult children often live far from their ancestral homes.
法律规定,子女不得以放弃继承权为由拒绝支付赡养费。(The law stipulates that children may not refuse to pay support for their parents on the grounds of waiving their right to inheritance.)
- Economic Impact
- The calculation of these fees often includes medical expenses, housing costs, and daily necessities, often reaching 20% to 30% of the payer's monthly income depending on the number of dependents.
Using 赡养费 correctly requires an understanding of the verbs that typically accompany it. Because it is a financial obligation, verbs related to payment, calculation, and legal enforcement are most common. The most frequent verb paired with it is 支付 (zhīfù), meaning 'to pay.' For example, '支付赡养费' (to pay support/alimony). Other common verbs include 索要 (suǒyào), meaning 'to demand' or 'to ask for,' and 上调 (shàngtiáo), meaning 'to increase' or 'adjust upwards' (often in the context of inflation).
法院判决他每月向父母支付三千元的赡养费。(The court ordered him to pay 3,000 yuan in support to his parents every month.)
In a sentence, 赡养费 usually functions as the direct object of the verb. It can also be modified by adjectives to describe the amount or the nature of the payment. For instance, '高额的赡养费' (high amount of alimony) or '每月的赡养费' (monthly support). When discussing legal disputes, you might hear '拖欠赡养费' (tuōqiàn - to be in arrears/fail to pay). This is a serious legal matter in China and can lead to being placed on a social credit blacklist.
- Standard Sentence Structure
- [Subject] + [Verb (支付/给/索要)] + [Recipient (前妻/父母)] + [赡养费]. Example: 他拒绝给前妻赡养费 (He refuses to give his ex-wife alimony).
Another important context is the 'Elderly Protection Law.' You might see sentences like '子女应当履行赡养义务,支付赡养费' (Children should fulfill their duty of support and pay support fees). Here, the word is part of a broader legal and moral framework. It's not just a 'fee'; it's the physical manifestation of an 'obligation' (义务 - yìwù). In academic or formal writing, you might see it paired with 标准 (biāozhǔn), as in '赡养费的计算标准' (the calculation standard for support fees).
随着物价上涨,原定的赡养费已经不足以维持老人的基本生活。(With rising prices, the originally set support fee is no longer sufficient to maintain the elderly person's basic life.)
When used in the context of divorce, it is often contrasted with 财产分割 (cáichǎn fēngē), or 'division of property.' While property division is a one-time event, 赡养费 is usually a recurring payment. If you are translating from English 'alimony' to Chinese, be careful to check if the context is specifically about a spouse or a parent, as this might influence whether you use 赡养费 or the more technical 扶养费 for spouses. However, in general conversation, 赡养费 is the go-to term for 'support money for someone you are legally obligated to care for.'
为了索要赡养费,这位老人不得不将自己的亲生儿子告上法庭。(In order to demand support fees, this elderly person had no choice but to take their own biological son to court.)
You will encounter 赡养费 in several specific real-world environments. The most common is the legal system. In China, 'Civil Courts' (民事法庭) handle thousands of cases annually where elderly parents sue their children for support. These cases are often publicized in news programs like 今日说法 (Legal Report) to educate the public on their filial duties. In these broadcasts, judges and legal experts dissect the financial capabilities of the children versus the medical and living needs of the parents, frequently using '赡养费' as the focal point of the discussion.
- News & Media
- Headlines often read: '明星离婚,天价赡养费引发热议' (Celebrity divorce, sky-high alimony sparks heated discussion). In the entertainment industry, the term is synonymous with high-stakes financial settlements.
Another common venue is the 社区调解委员会 (Community Mediation Committee). Before going to court, many families attempt to resolve disputes through local mediators. Here, you will hear the term used in a more emotional and grounded context. Mediators might say, '你一个月赚这么多,给父母一点赡养费是理所应当的' (You earn so much a month; it is only right and proper to give your parents some support money). This highlights the word's position at the intersection of law and social morality.
在调解过程中,双方就赡养费的数额达成了协议。(During the mediation process, both parties reached an agreement on the amount of the support fee.)
Social media platforms like Weibo or Douyin are also rife with discussions about 赡养费. Young people often vent about the financial pressure of supporting retired parents who lack pensions. You might see comments like '房贷、车贷加上父母的赡养费,压力太大了' (Mortgage, car loan, plus parents' support fees—the pressure is too great). In this context, the word is associated with the 'middle-age crisis' and the economic realities of modern China. It also appears in TV dramas (电视剧), particularly 'family ethics dramas' (家庭伦理剧), where disputes over money and care for the elderly provide the central conflict.
Finally, you will find this term in human resources and tax discussions. In China, there are tax deductions (专项附加扣除) available for those who support elderly parents over the age of 60. While the tax forms might use the term '赡养老人支出' (expenses for supporting the elderly), employees and accountants often refer to it colloquially as '赡养费' when discussing how much they can deduct from their taxable income. This makes the word relevant even for those not involved in legal disputes, as it affects their monthly take-home pay.
他在个人所得税申报中填报了赡养费扣除项。(He filled in the support fee deduction item in his personal income tax return.)
The most frequent mistake learners make with 赡养费 is confusing it with other types of support payments. In Chinese law, there is a very strict distinction based on the relationship between the payer and the receiver. Using the wrong term can make you sound uneducated in a legal context or lead to confusion in formal writing. The three terms often mixed up are 赡养费 (shànyǎngfèi), 抚养费 (fǔyǎngfèi), and 扶养费 (fúyǎngfèi). Note that they all sound very similar because of the 'yǎngfèi' suffix.
- The 'Three Yangs' Confusion
- 1. 赡养费: Upwards (Children to Parents). 2. 抚养费: Downwards (Parents to Children). 3. 扶养费: Horizontal (Between Spouses or siblings).
Another mistake is using the wrong measure word. Because it is a sum of money, you should use 笔 (bǐ) or 份 (fèn). Beginners often try to use '个' (gè), which is incorrect. For example, '一笔赡养费' is correct, while '一个赡养费' is not. Furthermore, learners often forget that 赡养费 implies a *legal* or *obligatory* payment. If you are just giving your parents a gift or 'pocket money,' the term 零花钱 (línghuāqián) or 孝敬钱 (xiàojìngqián) is more appropriate. Using '赡养费' in a casual, happy family setting might sound overly clinical or suggest that the parents *needed* to demand the money legally.
Incorrect: 我每个月给孩子五百块赡养费。
Correct: 我每个月给孩子五百块抚养费。(I give my child 500 yuan in support.)
A subtle mistake involves the verb 养 (yǎng). While '养父母' means 'to support parents,' you cannot say '赡养孩子.' The verb 赡养 is reserved for elders. Similarly, in the context of divorce, Westerners often use 'alimony' for both child and spousal support. In Chinese, you must separate them. If a man pays for both his ex-wife and his son, he is paying '扶养费' and '抚养费,' not just '赡养费.'
Finally, watch out for the pronunciation of 赡 (shàn). It is a fourth tone. Many learners mispronounce it as 'zhàn' or 'dān' because of its visual similarity to other characters. Mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with words like 占 (zhàn - to occupy). Always emphasize the falling tone to ensure clarity in legal or formal discussions.
Mistake: 他每个月支付赡养费 (Pronounced 'zhàn' instead of 'shàn'). Result: The listener might not understand the legal obligation being discussed.
Understanding 赡养费 involves knowing its 'siblings' in the Chinese language. These words all deal with financial support but apply to different social relationships. Distinguishing between them is a hallmark of a B2 or C1 level learner.
- 赡养费 vs. 抚养费 (fǔ yǎng fèi)
- 赡养费 is for elders (parents, grandparents). 抚养费 is for children. The verb 抚 (fǔ) means 'to stroke' or 'to comfort,' reflecting the care given to a child.
- 赡养费 vs. 扶养费 (fú yǎng fèi)
- 扶养费 is a broader legal term for support between equals or those of the same generation, such as spouses or siblings. 扶 (fú) means 'to support' or 'to assist' (like leaning on a cane).
Beyond these legal terms, there are more casual or specific alternatives. If you are talking about the money you give your parents out of love rather than legal obligation, you might use 孝敬钱 (xiàojìngqián). This word combines 'filial piety' (孝) and 'respect' (敬), making it much warmer and more culturally positive than the clinical '赡养费.'
Comparing usage: '法院判决了赡养费' (The court decided the support fee) vs. '我过年给父母一笔孝敬钱' (I gave my parents some respect money for New Year).
In a broader economic sense, you might hear 生活费 (shēnghuófèi), which simply means 'living expenses.' This is a neutral term that can apply to anyone—students, parents, or oneself. While 赡养费 is a *type* of 生活费, it specifies the *purpose* and the *relationship*. Another related term is 养老金 (yǎnglǎojīn), which refers to a 'pension' provided by the state or an insurance company. A common point of discussion in China is whether a parent's 养老金 is enough, or if the children still need to provide 赡养费.
- Summary Table
- 赡养费: Legal/Formal, for parents.
- 抚养费: Legal/Formal, for children.
- 扶养费: Legal/Formal, for spouses.
- 生活费: General, for anyone.
- 孝敬钱: Casual/Warm, for parents.
Finally, consider 补足 (bǔzú), which means 'to make up a deficiency.' In legal rulings, a child might be ordered to '补足赡养费' if they haven't been paying enough. This highlights the word's role in maintaining a standard of living rather than just being a gift. Understanding these nuances allows you to navigate sensitive family and legal topics in Chinese with precision.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The character '赡' is quite rare in modern Chinese outside of this specific legal term, making '赡养费' one of the few places you will regularly see it used.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 赡 as 'zhàn' (like 占).
- Pronouncing 赡 as 'dān' (like 单).
- Mixing up the tones, especially changing the third tone of 养 to a second tone.
- Failing to distinguish the 'sh' sound from a 's' sound in 'shàn'.
- Pronouncing 费 as 'fēi' (first tone) instead of 'fèi' (fourth tone).
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The character '赡' is complex and rarely seen elsewhere, making it hard to read for beginners.
Writing '赡' correctly requires many strokes and precise radical placement.
Once the tones are mastered, the word is relatively easy to say.
Very easy to confuse with 抚养费 or 扶养费 in fast speech.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Using '被' for passive voice in legal contexts.
他被要求支付更多赡养费。
Using '根据' to show the basis of a decision.
根据法律,他必须给赡养费。
Resultative complements with '支付'.
他已经支付清了所有的赡养费。
Using '以...为...' to define terms.
以当地生活水平为标准计算赡养费。
The '把' construction with money.
他把赡养费寄给了父母。
Beispiele nach Niveau
我每个月给父母一些钱,这是赡养费。
I give my parents some money every month; this is support money.
Simple subject-verb-object structure.
赡养费是多少钱?
How much is the support fee?
Asking for quantity using '多少钱'.
他不给父母赡养费。
He does not give his parents support money.
Negative sentence using '不'.
赡养费很重要。
Support money is very important.
Using '很' to link a noun and an adjective.
这是给爸爸的赡养费。
This is the support money for Dad.
Using '给' as a preposition for the recipient.
你给父母赡养费吗?
Do you give your parents support money?
Simple question with '吗'.
赡养费是三千块。
The support fee is 3,000 yuan.
Using '是' to state a value.
我的赡养费很少。
My support money (that I give) is very little.
Possessive '的' with the noun.
他工作了,所以要给父母赡养费。
He is working now, so he needs to give his parents support money.
Using '所以' to show cause and effect.
在中国,孩子必须支付赡养费。
In China, children must pay support money.
Using '必须' (must) to show obligation.
这笔赡养费包括生活费和医药费。
This support money includes living expenses and medical fees.
Using '包括' (include) to list components.
他每个月按时支付赡养费。
He pays the support money on time every month.
Adverb '按时' (on time) modifying the verb.
父母没有钱,所以他们需要赡养费。
The parents have no money, so they need support money.
Using '需要' (need) as a verb.
如果你不给赡养费,那是违法的。
If you don't give support money, that is illegal.
Conditional '如果...的话/就' structure.
她把一半的工资作为赡养费给了父母。
She gave half of her salary to her parents as support money.
Using '作为' (as/in the capacity of).
他们正在商量赡养费的金额。
They are discussing the amount of the support money.
Progressive aspect '正在' (in the middle of).
虽然他已经退休了,但他仍然坚持给老母亲赡养费。
Although he has already retired, he still insists on giving his elderly mother support money.
Using '虽然...但仍然' (although... still).
法律规定,赡养费的数额应根据子女的负担能力而定。
The law stipulates that the amount of support money should be determined according to the children's ability to pay.
Using '根据...而定' (determined according to).
为了支付高额的赡养费,他不得不打两份工。
In order to pay the high support fees, he had to work two jobs.
Using '为了' (in order to) to show purpose.
他因拖欠赡养费被法院传唤了。
He was summoned by the court for falling behind on support payments.
Passive structure using '因...被' (because of... was [verb]ed).
赡养费不仅仅是钱,更是一种责任的体现。
Support money is not just money; it is more an embodiment of responsibility.
Using '不仅仅是...更是' (not just... but more).
在离婚协议中,关于赡养费的条款写得很清楚。
In the divorce agreement, the clauses regarding alimony are written very clearly.
Using '关于' (regarding) to introduce a topic.
老两口靠着儿子给的赡养费过着简朴的生活。
The elderly couple lives a simple life relying on the support money given by their son.
Using '靠着' (relying on).
他申请法院上调赡养费,因为物价涨得太快了。
He applied to the court to increase the support fee because prices rose too fast.
Using '申请' (apply) as a formal verb.
法院在裁定赡养费时,会综合考虑被赡养人的实际需求。
When ruling on support fees, the court will comprehensively consider the actual needs of the person being supported.
Using '在...时' (when) and '综合考虑' (comprehensively consider).
由于他没有固定收入,法院暂时降低了赡养费的支付标准。
Since he has no fixed income, the court temporarily lowered the payment standard for the support fee.
Using '由于' (due to) and '暂时' (temporarily).
虽然双方已经离婚多年,但男方仍需支付约定的赡养费。
Although both parties have been divorced for many years, the man still needs to pay the agreed-upon alimony.
Using '约定的' (agreed-upon) as an adjective.
赡养费纠纷如果处理不当,往往会严重破坏家庭关系。
If support fee disputes are handled improperly, they often seriously damage family relationships.
Using '如果...往往会' (if... often will).
在某些国家,赡养费的支付可以通过税收优惠来抵消一部分压力。
In some countries, the payment of support fees can offset some of the pressure through tax incentives.
Using '通过...来抵消' (through... to offset).
他被列入了失信被执行人名单,原因是他长期拒不支付赡养费。
He was included in the list of dishonest judgment debtors because he has long refused to pay support fees.
Formal term '失信被执行人' (dishonest judgment debtor).
赡养费的计算通常以当地平均生活水平为重要参考依据。
The calculation of support fees usually takes the local average living standard as an important reference basis.
Using '以...为参考依据' (taking... as a reference basis).
除了经济上的赡养费,法律也鼓励子女给予父母精神上的慰藉。
In addition to financial support fees, the law also encourages children to give their parents spiritual comfort.
Using '除了...也' (in addition to... also).
赡养费的给付义务具有法律强制性,不因子女放弃继承权而免除。
The obligation to pay support fees is legally mandatory and is not waived because the children give up their right to inheritance.
Formal legal language: '具有法律强制性' (has legal mandatoriness).
在探讨人口老龄化问题时,赡养费的社会保障功能不可忽视。
When exploring the issue of population aging, the social security function of support fees cannot be ignored.
Using '不可忽视' (cannot be ignored) in an academic context.
该案件的争议焦点在于赡养费是否应当包含昂贵的私人护理费用。
The focus of the dispute in this case is whether the support fee should include expensive private nursing costs.
Formal term '争议焦点' (focus of dispute).
法院驳回了原告要求巨额赡养费的请求,认为其超出了被告的实际承受能力。
The court rejected the plaintiff's request for a huge amount of support, considering it exceeded the defendant's actual ability to pay.
Using '驳回' (reject/dismiss) and '承受能力' (ability to bear/pay).
随着社会观念的变迁,赡养费的内涵也在不断丰富和延伸。
With the changes in social concepts, the connotation of support fees is also constantly enriching and extending.
Using '内涵' (connotation) and '延伸' (extend).
在处理复杂的赡养费纠纷时,调解往往比判决更能达到法律效果与社会效果的统一。
When handling complex support fee disputes, mediation often achieves the unification of legal and social effects better than a judgment.
Using '更能达到...的统一' (better achieve the unification of...).
赡养费的支付应当遵循诚实信用原则,不得恶意逃避责任。
The payment of support fees should follow the principle of honesty and credit, and one must not maliciously evade responsibility.
Legal term '诚实信用原则' (principle of good faith).
从法理学角度看,赡养费不仅是对生存权的保障,更是对家庭伦理的维护。
From a jurisprudential perspective, support fees are not only a guarantee of the right to survival but also a maintenance of family ethics.
Using '从...角度看' (from the perspective of).
在民法典的框架下,赡养费的给付标准需兼顾公平原则与个案的特殊性。
Under the framework of the Civil Code, the payment standard for support fees must balance the principle of fairness with the specificities of individual cases.
Advanced phrasing '兼顾...与...' (balance/give consideration to both... and...).
赡养费纠纷的司法实践反映了现代法治与传统孝道在转型期社会的激烈碰撞。
The judicial practice of support fee disputes reflects the intense collision between modern rule of law and traditional filial piety in a society in transition.
Using '反映了...的激烈碰撞' (reflects the intense collision of...).
对于拒不履行赡养费支付义务的行为,司法机关应加大执行力度以彰显法律权威。
For acts of refusing to perform the obligation to pay support fees, judicial organs should increase enforcement efforts to manifest legal authority.
Using '彰显' (manifest/show clearly) and '权威' (authority).
赡养费数额的动态调整机制,旨在应对通货膨胀对被赡养人生活质量的潜在冲击。
The dynamic adjustment mechanism for the amount of support fees aims to address the potential impact of inflation on the quality of life of the person being supported.
Using '旨在' (aimed at) and '潜在冲击' (potential impact).
在某些极端案例中,赡养费的索要已沦为家庭成员间博弈的筹码,背离了法律的初衷。
In some extreme cases, the demand for support fees has degenerated into a bargaining chip among family members, deviating from the original intention of the law.
Using '沦为' (degenerate into) and '背离' (deviate from).
通过对赡养费判决书的文本分析,我们可以透视出当代中国家庭权力结构的微观变迁。
Through the textual analysis of support fee judgments, we can gain insight into the micro-changes of the family power structure in contemporary China.
Using '透视出' (gain insight into/see through to).
赡养费的法律属性虽为金钱给付,但其社会学意义却在于维系代际间的契约关系。
Although the legal attribute of support fees is monetary payment, its sociological significance lies in maintaining the contractual relationship between generations.
Using '虽...但其...在于' (although... its [significance] lies in).
针对赡养费标准的地区差异,学界正呼吁建立更为科学、统一的测算体系。
In response to regional differences in support fee standards, academia is calling for the establishment of a more scientific and unified calculation system.
Using '针对' (in response to) and '呼吁' (call for/appeal).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To fulfill the duty of support. This refers to the legal and moral requirement to care for parents.
子女必须履行赡养义务。
— Refusing to pay. Often used in legal documents when someone ignores a court order.
他因拒不支付赡养费被拘留。
— Living in hardship. This is often the justification for requesting 赡养费.
如果父母生活困难,子女应给赡养费。
— To reach an agreement. Used when parties agree on the amount without a court ruling.
双方就赡养费达成协议。
— Case closed through mediation. A common outcome for 赡养费 disputes.
这起案件最终通过调解结案。
— Compulsory enforcement. When the court forces someone to pay their 赡养费.
法院对这笔赡养费进行了强制执行。
— A huge amount. Used in high-profile cases.
这笔赡养费数额巨大,令人震惊。
— Basic living expenses. The minimum level of 赡养费 required by law.
赡养费应至少涵盖父母的基本生活费。
— Uneven distribution. Often refers to multiple children not contributing equally.
兄弟姐妹之间因赡养费分配不均产生矛盾。
— Legal aid. Often sought by elderly people who cannot afford a lawyer to sue for 赡养费.
这位老人申请了法律援助来讨要赡养费。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
For children. 赡养 is for parents.
For spouses/siblings. 赡养 is specifically for elders.
Government pension. 赡养费 is from family.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— The feeling of a young bird feeding its parents; used to describe children supporting parents.
支付赡养费是出于反哺之情。
Literary— Similar to '反哺之情'; a metaphor for filial piety and supporting one's elders.
他支付赡养费,尽乌鸟私情。
Literary— Perfectly justified; right and proper. Often used to say elder support is a fundamental law of nature.
给父母赡养费是天经地义的事。
Common— To raise children to provide for one's old age. The traditional mindset behind 赡养费.
虽然现在有养老金,但很多人还是信奉养儿防老。
Common— Of all virtues, filial piety is the first. The moral foundation for 赡养费.
百善孝为先,你不能不给赡养费。
Proverb— Ungrateful; turning one's back on a benefactor. Used to criticize those who don't pay 赡养费.
不给父母赡养费就是忘恩负义。
Informal/Strong— Disgraceful; a huge violation of social norms. Used in extreme cases of neglect.
遗弃老人、拒付赡养费简直是大逆不道。
Strong— To do one's best. Often used to describe a child who pays as much 赡养费 as they can.
他已经尽心尽力支付赡养费了。
Neutral— To make all sorts of excuses. Used for children who try to avoid paying.
一提到赡养费,他就推三阻四。
Informal— Heart of stone. Used to describe someone who refuses to help their poor parents.
他竟然不给生病的父亲赡养费,真是铁石心肠。
InformalLeicht verwechselbar
Sounds very similar (fǔ vs shàn).
抚养 is 'raising' (downward), 赡养 is 'supporting' (upward).
他在抚养孩子的同时,还要赡养老人。
Sounds nearly identical (fú vs shàn).
扶养 is general 'maintenance' between equals; 赡养 is specifically for elders.
夫妻之间有相互扶养的义务。
Contains '养'.
培养 means to cultivate or train (like a skill or a student).
学校致力于培养优秀的人才。
Contains '养'.
修养 refers to personal cultivation or manners.
他是一个非常有修养的人。
Contains '养'.
收养 means to adopt (a child or pet).
他们收养了一个孤儿。
Satzmuster
S + 给 + Recipient + 赡养费
他给妈妈赡养费。
S + 必须/应该 + 支付 + 赡养费
你必须支付赡养费。
关于 + 赡养费 + 的 + 问题
关于赡养费的问题,我们要开会商量。
根据...,法院判决 S 支付...赡养费
根据法律,法院判决他支付五千元赡养费。
S + 因 + 拖欠赡养费 + 而 + 被...
他因拖欠赡养费而被罚款。
赡养费的给付 + 关乎 + 家庭伦理
赡养费的给付关乎家庭伦理的维护。
以...为参考,核定赡养费数额
以被告收入为参考,核定赡养费数额。
在...视阈下,探讨赡养费的法律属性
在民法典视阈下,探讨赡养费的法律属性。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
High in legal, news, and sociological contexts; medium in daily casual speech.
-
Using 赡养费 for children.
→
抚养费 (fǔyǎngfèi)
赡养 is strictly for elders/parents. Using it for children sounds very strange to a native speaker.
-
Saying '一个赡养费'.
→
一笔赡养费 (yī bǐ shànyǎngfèi)
The measure word for sums of money is 笔 (bǐ), not 个 (gè).
-
Pronouncing 赡 as 'dān'.
→
shàn
Learners often see the right side and think it sounds like 'dan' (单), but it is 'shàn'.
-
Thinking 赡养费 is only for divorce.
→
It is mostly for supporting elderly parents in China.
In English 'alimony' is for divorce, but in Chinese 赡养费 is most commonly for filial support.
-
Using '赡养费' for a small gift of money.
→
孝敬钱 (xiàojìngqián)
赡养费 implies a formal or legal obligation. For a voluntary gift, use a warmer term.
Tipps
Verb Pairing
Always pair 赡养费 with formal verbs like 支付 (pay) or 履行 (fulfill) in writing to sound professional.
Moral Weight
Remember that 赡养费 carries a heavy moral weight in China; it's seen as the ultimate test of a child's character.
The 'Yang' Triplets
Memorize 赡养 (elder), 抚养 (child), and 扶养 (spouse) together to avoid common B2-level mistakes.
Court Terms
If you see '原告' (plaintiff) and '被告' (defendant) in a sentence with 赡养费, it's a legal case summary.
Reading Practice
Read Chinese news headlines about '明星离婚' (celebrity divorce) to see 赡养费 used in a high-stakes context.
Character Breakdown
Notice the 贝 (shell/money) radical in both 赡 and 费. This tells you the word is about financial transactions.
Tone Mastery
The fourth tone (falling) on 'shàn' and 'fèi' makes the word sound very definitive and serious.
Context Clues
If someone mentions '养老院' (nursing home), the 'fee' they discuss is almost certainly 赡养费.
Mediation
In China, 赡养费 disputes are often settled by '调解' (mediation) to save the family's 'face' (面子).
HSK 6 Level
While B2, this word often appears in HSK 5 and 6 reading passages about traditional culture and modern law.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of the 'shàn' in 赡 as 'Shine'. You are helping your parents' 'golden years' shine by giving them 'fèi' (fees).
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine an elderly person sitting on a mountain (山 - phonetic hint for shàn) and a child handing them a bag of money (贝 radical in 赡 and 费).
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to explain the difference between 赡养费, 抚养费, and 扶养费 to a friend in Chinese without looking at your notes.
Wortherkunft
The term is composed of three characters with ancient roots. '赡' (shàn) appears in early texts like the 'Shuowen Jiezi' meaning 'to suffice' or 'to provide.' It combines the 'money/shell' radical (贝) with a phonetic component. '养' (yǎng) depicts a sheep (羊) being fed, symbolizing nourishment. '费' (fèi) also contains the 'money' radical, denoting cost or expenditure.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally, '赡养' meant simply to provide enough food and resources for someone's survival.
Sino-Tibetan / Chinese.Kultureller Kontext
Be careful when discussing this with Chinese friends; it can be a sensitive topic if their family is going through financial stress or disputes.
In the West, 'alimony' is the closest equivalent for spousal support, but there is no direct equivalent for mandatory 'elder support' in many US states or the UK.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Divorce Proceedings
- 离婚协议 (Divorce agreement)
- 财产分割 (Property division)
- 赡养费数额 (Amount of alimony)
- 支付期限 (Payment term)
Elder Care Disputes
- 起诉子女 (Sue children)
- 生活无着 (No means of support)
- 履行义务 (Fulfill obligation)
- 医疗开支 (Medical expenses)
Tax Filing
- 专项附加扣除 (Special additional deduction)
- 赡养老人 (Supporting the elderly)
- 扣除标准 (Deduction standard)
- 纳税申报 (Tax declaration)
Family Meeting
- 分摊费用 (Share expenses)
- 尽一份心 (Do one's part)
- 商量一下 (Discuss it)
- 公平起见 (For fairness)
News Reporting
- 引发热议 (Spark heated debate)
- 法律漏洞 (Legal loophole)
- 社会保障 (Social security)
- 典型案例 (Typical case)
Gesprächseinstiege
"你觉得现在的赡养费标准合理吗? (Do you think current support fee standards are reasonable?)"
"在中国,如果不给父母赡养费会有什么后果? (In China, what are the consequences of not giving parents support money?)"
"你认为赡养费应该包括旅游和娱乐的费用吗? (Do you think support fees should include travel and entertainment expenses?)"
"当子女经济困难时,是否可以减少赡养费? (When children are in financial difficulty, can support fees be reduced?)"
"赡养费和抚养费,哪一个对家庭关系的压力更大? (Support fees or child support—which puts more pressure on family relationships?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
写一写你对‘养儿防老’这种传统观念的看法,以及赡养费在其中的作用。 (Write about your views on the traditional concept of 'raising children for old age' and the role of support fees in it.)
如果你的朋友拒绝给他的父母赡养费,你会如何劝说他? (If your friend refuses to give his parents support money, how would you persuade him?)
描述一个关于赡养费纠纷的法庭场景。 (Describe a courtroom scene regarding a support fee dispute.)
讨论政府养老金和子女提供的赡养费之间的关系。 (Discuss the relationship between government pensions and support fees provided by children.)
分析为什么‘赡养费’在现代中国社会依然是一个法律强制的义务。 (Analyze why 'support fees' remain a legally mandated obligation in modern Chinese society.)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenThere is no fixed national minimum. It is determined by the local court based on the parent's basic living needs and the child's income. Usually, it's around 20-30% of the child's salary.
In Chinese law, the duty to support parents is almost absolute. Even if the relationship is bad, you usually still have to provide a basic level of financial support, though the amount might be reduced.
No, it also applies to adopted children and stepchildren who have a 'formative relationship' (raised by the stepparent) with the elderly person.
Yes, there is a 'Special Additional Deduction' for taxpayers who support parents over the age of 60. This is often colloquially referred to as a deduction for 赡养费.
Yes, siblings are expected to share the responsibility. If one sibling pays everything, they can sometimes sue the others to contribute their fair share.
You can be placed on a 'blacklist' of dishonest debtors, which prevents you from flying, taking high-speed trains, or staying in luxury hotels. In extreme cases, you could face jail time.
Yes, according to the 'Elderly Protection Law,' the support should cover daily life, medical care, and housing.
Not exactly. Alimony is for a spouse. While 赡养费 can be used for spousal support in some contexts, its primary and most common meaning in China is support for parents.
Yes, if the pension is not enough to cover their actual needs (especially medical needs), they can still sue their children for the difference.
You say '增加赡养费' (zēngjiā shànyǎngfèi) or more formally '上调赡养费' (shàngtiáo shànyǎngfèi).
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Translate to Chinese: 'He pays 2000 yuan in support money to his parents every month.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe the difference between 赡养费 and 抚养费 in two Chinese sentences.
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Write a sentence using '拖欠' and '赡养费'.
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Translate: 'The court decided that the amount of alimony should be increased.'
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Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about why 赡养费 is important in China.
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Translate: 'I am not able to afford such a high amount of support money.'
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Use '履行' and '赡养义务' in a formal sentence.
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Translate: 'They reached an agreement on the support fee through mediation.'
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Write a sentence about tax deduction for elder support.
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Translate: 'Filial piety is the most important virtue; therefore, one must provide support for their parents.'
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Write a complaint letter snippet about someone not paying support.
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Translate: 'The calculation standard for support fees varies by region.'
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Write a sentence using the pattern '除了...也...'.
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Translate: 'He was placed on the blacklist due to arrears in alimony.'
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Write a sentence using '索要'.
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Translate: 'The judge carefully considered the financial situation of both parties.'
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Write a sentence about '养老院' (nursing home) and '赡养费'.
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Translate: 'The son insisted that he had already fulfilled his support duties.'
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Write a sentence using '一次性支付'.
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Translate: 'The concept of support fees is evolving in modern society.'
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Talk about your opinion on legal requirements for elder support (赡养费). (1 minute)
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Roleplay: You are a judge deciding the amount of 赡养费 for a family. Explain your reasoning.
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How do you say 'I want to apply for an increase in alimony' in Chinese?
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Explain the difference between 赡养费 and 抚养费 to a beginner.
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Pronounce '赡养费' clearly with the correct tones.
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Describe a scenario where someone might be sued for 赡养费.
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What are the common verbs that go with 赡养费? List four.
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Is 赡养费 a common topic in Chinese dramas? Why?
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How would you tell someone that paying support is their 'duty' (义务)?
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Discuss the 'sandwich generation' pressure using the word 赡养费.
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Translate and say: 'The court ruled that the son must pay 1000 yuan monthly.'
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What is '孝敬钱' and how is it different from '赡养费'?
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Can you name the three 'yang' fees in law?
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Ask a lawyer: 'Is my ex-husband required to pay alimony?'
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Summarize the tax benefit of 赡养费 in one sentence.
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Give a short speech about 'respecting the elderly' using the word 赡养费.
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How do you say 'to fail to pay' formally?
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Describe the contents of a 赡养费协议.
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What is the cultural origin of 赡养费?
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Roleplay: You are explaining to your parents why the 赡养费 you sent is higher this month.
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Listen to a legal news snippet (simulated): '被告张某因长期拖欠赡养费被限制消费。' What happened to Zhang?
Listen: '这笔赡养费一共是三千块,包括了药费。' Does the 3000 yuan include medicine?
Listen: '我不是不给,我是现在没工作,没钱给。' What is the speaker's excuse?
Listen: '法院判决每月支付两千,直到老人去世。' When does the payment stop?
Listen: '兄弟两个每人出一半赡养费。' How do the brothers share the cost?
Listen: '赡养费的纠纷最后通过调解解决了。' Was the case settled by a judge's ruling or mediation?
Listen: '由于物价上涨,赡养费需要增加。' Why does the fee need to increase?
Listen: '他把赡养费寄到了老家的邮局。' Where did he send the money?
Listen: '这是我这个月的工资,扣掉赡养费就没多少了。' Does the speaker have much money left after paying?
Listen: '赡养费协议已经在公证处公证了。' Has the agreement been notarized?
Listen: '原告要求每月五千,但被告只能给两千。' What is the gap between the demand and the offer?
Listen: '法律面前,赡养义务不能逃避。' Can the duty of support be avoided according to the speaker?
Listen: '他每个月按时把赡养费打到父母的卡上。' How does he pay?
Listen: '赡养费的标准要参考当地平均工资。' What is the reference for the support fee standard?
Listen: '老两口说,他们不要钱,只要孩子回来看看。' Do the parents want the money?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
赡养费 is more than just 'alimony'; it is the financial pillar of the Chinese social contract regarding elder care. For example: '法院判决他每月支付两千元赡养费' (The court ordered him to pay 2,000 yuan in support fees monthly).
- 赡养费 (shànyǎngfèi) is a noun meaning alimony or elder support money, primarily used for children supporting parents or spousal maintenance in legal contexts.
- It is a B2-level word essential for discussing Chinese law, family responsibilities, and the traditional values of filial piety (孝道) in modern society.
- The term is strictly distinguished from 抚养费 (child support) and 扶养费 (spousal support), though it is often used as a general term for 'maintenance.'
- Commonly paired with verbs like 支付 (pay), 拖欠 (be in arrears), and 索要 (demand), reflecting its status as a formal legal and financial obligation.
Verb Pairing
Always pair 赡养费 with formal verbs like 支付 (pay) or 履行 (fulfill) in writing to sound professional.
Moral Weight
Remember that 赡养费 carries a heavy moral weight in China; it's seen as the ultimate test of a child's character.
The 'Yang' Triplets
Memorize 赡养 (elder), 抚养 (child), and 扶养 (spouse) together to avoid common B2-level mistakes.
Court Terms
If you see '原告' (plaintiff) and '被告' (defendant) in a sentence with 赡养费, it's a legal case summary.
Beispiel
离婚后,她获得了前夫的赡养费。
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr family Wörter
百日宴
A2Das '百日宴' ist ein traditionelles chinesisches Bankett, das den 100. Tag nach der Geburt eines Babys feiert.
一对
A2Ein Paar zusammengehöriger Dinge oder ein Menschenpaar.
迁就
B2To accommodate; to yield to.
称呼
A2Anrede; Bezeichnung. In der chinesischen Kultur ist die richtige Anrede entscheidend für den Respekt.
住址
A2Address.
认错
A2To admit a mistake.
领养
A2Ein Kind oder ein Haustier adoptieren.
收养
B1Ein Kind rechtlich adoptieren.
养女
A2Adoptivtochter. Ein Mädchen, das von Eltern aufgezogen wird, die nicht seine leiblichen Eltern sind.
养子
A2Ein Adoptivsohn. Ein Junge, der von Eltern großgezogen wird, die nicht seine leiblichen Eltern sind.