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A1 verb 9 min de lecture

保养

baoyang

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 保养 en 30 secondes

Explication 保养 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '保养' (bǎoyǎng) is taught as a simple verb meaning 'to take care of' or 'to maintain.' Beginners usually encounter it in the context of high-quality items like clothes or personal health. For example, '保养衣服' (to take care of clothes) or '保养皮肤' (to take care of skin). The focus is on the basic idea that some things need extra care to stay good. Sentences are short and direct, such as '我保养我的新车' (I maintain my new car). Learners should understand that '保养' is more than just cleaning; it involves special effort to keep something looking or working like new. It is a useful word for shopping or talking about daily routines.

At the A2 level, learners begin to see '保养' used with a wider variety of objects and in more complex sentence structures. They learn that it can be a noun as well as a verb. For instance, '做保养' (to do maintenance) is a common phrase for car owners. A2 learners should be able to describe why they are maintaining something: '为了让衣服穿得更久，我要好好保养它们' (In order to make the clothes last longer, I need to maintain them well). They also start to recognize the word in advertisements for skincare products and in notices about building maintenance, like '电梯保养' (elevator maintenance). The concept of 'regularity' (定期) is often introduced here.

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At the B1 level, the usage of '保养' becomes more nuanced. Learners understand the difference between '保养' (preventative maintenance) and '修理' (repair). They can use it in professional contexts, such as describing workplace responsibilities or discussing the long-term costs of owning property. Phrases like '保养费用' (maintenance costs) and '保养手册' (maintenance manual) become part of their vocabulary. They also learn to use it as a compliment for someone's appearance: '你保养得真好，一点也看不出年纪' (You've maintained yourself so well; you don't look your age at all). The focus shifts from just 'doing' maintenance to the quality and result of that maintenance.

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At the B2 level, '保养' is used in more formal and technical discussions. Learners can talk about '设备保养' (equipment maintenance) in an industrial setting or '古迹保养' (preservation of historical sites). They understand the cultural implications of '保养' in relation to '养生' (health preservation) and can discuss how lifestyle choices affect physical maintenance. They are expected to use appropriate adverbs and collocations, such as '细心保养' (carefully maintain) or '疏于保养' (to neglect maintenance). At this stage, they can also handle abstract or metaphorical uses in literature, where '保养' might refer to maintaining a specific atmosphere or state of being.

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At the C1 level, the learner has a deep understanding of '保养' and its synonyms like '维护,' '呵护,' and '修养.' They can distinguish the subtle differences in register and tone. C1 learners use '保养' in complex analytical contexts, such as discussing the economic impact of infrastructure maintenance or the psychology of self-care. They can read technical manuals or academic papers where '保养' appears in the context of material science or mechanical engineering. They are also sensitive to the word's use in classical-style modern prose, where it might be used to describe the 'nourishment' of the spirit or intellect.

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At the C2 level, mastery of '保养' is near-native. The learner can use the word in any context, from slangy informal talk to high-level technical or philosophical discourse. They can interpret wordplay or puns involving '保养' and are aware of its historical etymology. They can write detailed reports on maintenance protocols or poetic essays on the 'maintenance' of tradition in a changing world. At this level, '保养' is not just a vocabulary word but a conceptual tool used to describe the balance between preservation and decay across all aspects of life.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

保养 en 30 secondes

保养 means 'to maintain' or 'to take care of' objects and health.
It is commonly used for cars, skincare, and high-quality clothing.
The word implies preventative care to ensure something lasts longer.
It differs from 'repair' because it happens before something breaks.

The Chinese word 保养 (bǎoyǎng) is a versatile verb that translates to 'to maintain,' 'to keep in good repair,' or 'to take care of.' It is composed of two characters: 保 (bǎo), meaning to protect or keep, and 养 (yǎng), meaning to nourish or raise. Together, they describe the proactive process of keeping something—whether it is an object like a car or a part of the body like the skin—in its best possible condition through regular attention and care.

Physical Maintenance: This refers to the routine servicing of machinery, vehicles, or household items to prevent wear and tear. For example, changing the oil in a car or cleaning a high-end camera lens.
Personal Care and Health: In a biological context, it refers to skin care (skincare routines) or maintaining one's health through diet and lifestyle. If someone looks much younger than their age, a Chinese speaker might say they 'know how to maintain themselves' (很会保养).

这件真丝衬衫需要特别的保养。(Zhè jiàn zhēnsī chènshān xūyào tèbié de bǎoyǎng.) - This silk shirt requires special maintenance/care.

In the context of clothing, specifically at the A1 level, 保养 focuses on how you treat high-quality fabrics. It involves more than just washing; it includes proper storage, using specific detergents, and avoiding harsh conditions. For instance, wool sweaters and silk dresses are items that Chinese learners will first encounter in conversations about 保养. When you buy expensive clothes in China, the shop assistant might give you tips on how to 保养 the garment to prevent it from shrinking or fading.

我的汽车每五千公里做一次保养。(Wǒ de qìchē měi wǔqiān gōnglǐ zuò yīcì bǎoyǎng.) - My car gets a maintenance service every 5,000 kilometers.

Culturally, the concept of 保养 is deeply rooted in the idea of longevity. Whether it is a Ming Dynasty vase or your own physical body, the Chinese worldview emphasizes that things last longer if they are 'nourished' (养) consistently. This is why you will hear the word in beauty salons, auto repair shops, and even in discussions about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where 'maintaining the body' is seen as superior to 'curing the disease.'

她看上去只有三十岁，其实她很注重保养。(Tā kàn shàngqù zhǐyǒu sānshí suì, qíshí tā hěn zhùzhòng bǎoyǎng.) - She looks only thirty; actually, she takes great care of her health/appearance.

Daily Life Examples: 1. Using leather oil on shoes. 2. Applying a face mask every night. 3. Taking a piano for professional tuning and cleaning. 4. Following the washing instructions on a cashmere tag.

好的皮鞋如果不好好保养，很快就会坏。(Hǎo de píxié rúguǒ bù hǎohǎo bǎoyǎng, hěn kuài jiù huì huài.) - If good leather shoes are not well-maintained, they will break quickly.

Using 保养 (bǎoyǎng) correctly involves understanding its role as both a verb and a noun. In its most common form, it functions as a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object—the thing being maintained. However, it can also stand alone as a noun referring to the 'service' or 'upkeep' itself.

Verb Pattern: Subject + 保养 + Object: This is the simplest way to use the word. For example: '我保养我的车' (I maintain my car). It sounds more natural to add an adverb like '好好' (well/carefully) or '定期' (regularly).
Noun Pattern: 做/进行 + 保养: When referring to a specific instance of maintenance, like a car service, we use '做' (to do) or '进行' (to conduct). Example: '我的车该做保养了' (My car is due for a service).

你要学会如何保养你的乐器。(Nǐ yào xuéhuì rúhé bǎoyǎng nǐ de yuèqì.) - You need to learn how to maintain your musical instrument.

When discussing clothing care (A1 focus), 保养 is often paired with specific types of clothes that are expensive or delicate. You wouldn't usually use 保养 for a cheap T-shirt; instead, you would use it for a '大衣' (overcoat), '西装' (suit), or '丝绸' (silk). The sentence structure often involves '需要' (need) or '注重' (pay attention to/emphasize).

这种面料很难保养。(Zhè zhǒng miànliào hěn nán bǎoyǎng.) - This kind of fabric is very difficult to maintain.

Common Adverbs: '定期' (dìngqī - regularly), '细心' (xìxīn - carefully), '专业' (zhuānyè - professionally). These help specify how the maintenance is being performed.

他定期保养家里的红木家具。(Tā dìngqī bǎoyǎng jiālǐ de hóngmù jiājù.) - He regularly maintains the mahogany furniture in his home.

In business or technical contexts, 保养 can be part of a compound noun like '保养手册' (maintenance manual) or '保养费用' (maintenance costs). If you are renting an apartment in China, you might discuss who is responsible for the 保养 of the air conditioner or other appliances.

请仔细阅读保养说明。(Qǐng zǐxì yuèdú bǎoyǎng shuōmíng.) - Please read the maintenance instructions carefully.

You will encounter 保养 (bǎoyǎng) in several distinct environments in Chinese-speaking regions. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word even if the specific object being maintained changes.

At the Car Dealership (4S Shop): This is perhaps the most common place. Mechanics will ask, '你的车要做什么保养？' (What kind of maintenance does your car need?). You'll see signs for '常规保养' (routine maintenance) and '深度保养' (deep maintenance).
In Beauty and Skincare Ads: Commercials for creams, serums, and spa treatments frequently use '保养' to promise youthful skin. Influencers on platforms like Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu) often share their '保养秘籍' (maintenance secrets/tips).

师傅，我想给车做个常规保养。(Shīfu, wǒ xiǎng gěi chē zuò gè chángguī bǎoyǎng.) - Master (mechanic), I want to do a routine maintenance for my car.

In social settings, 保养 is a frequent topic among middle-aged and elderly people. It is common to discuss '养生' (yǎngshēng - health preservation), which is a broader concept, but 保养 is used for specific physical upkeep. For example, '他老了以后更注重身体保养' (He pays more attention to maintaining his body/health since he got older).

你看她皮肤多好，平时肯定没少花时间保养。(Nǐ kàn tā pífū duō hǎo, píngshí kěndìng méishǎo huā shíjiān bǎoyǎng.) - Look how good her skin is; she must spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Industrial and Property Management: In an apartment building, you might see notices about '电梯保养' (elevator maintenance). In factories, workers follow '设备保养' (equipment maintenance) schedules to ensure safety and efficiency.

电梯正在保养，请走楼梯。(Diàntī zhèngzài bǎoyǎng, qǐng zǒu lóutī.) - The elevator is undergoing maintenance; please use the stairs.

Finally, in literature or formal speeches, 保养 can be used metaphorically to refer to 'maintaining' a relationship or a state of mind, although this is less common than its physical application. It implies that even abstract things need 'nourishment' to survive.

While 保养 (bǎoyǎng) is straightforward, learners often confuse it with other words related to 'fixing' or 'protecting.' Here are the primary pitfalls to avoid.

Confusing 保养 with 修理 (xiūlǐ): This is the most common mistake. 修理 means to 'repair' something that is already broken. 保养 is 'maintenance' to prevent it from breaking. You '保养' a working car; you '修理' a car that won't start.
Confusing 保养 with 保护 (bǎohù): 保护 means to 'protect' or 'shield' from external harm. For example, you '保护' the environment or '保护' your eyes from the sun. 保养 is more about internal 'upkeep' and 'nourishing.'

Incorrect: 我的电脑坏了，我要去保养它。
Correct: 我的电脑坏了，我要去修理它。

Another mistake is using 保养 for people in the wrong context. While you can say someone '保养得好' (looks young for their age), you wouldn't use it to mean 'taking care of someone' in a nursing or caregiving sense. For that, use '照顾' (zhàogù).

Incorrect: 我在医院保养我的爷爷。
Correct: 我在医院照顾我的爷爷。

Misusing the noun form: In English, we say 'The car is in maintenance.' In Chinese, we don't say '车在保养中' as often as '车在做保养' or '正在进行保养.' The verb '做' (to do) is usually required to make it sound natural.

Lastly, don't use 保养 for simple cleaning tasks. Washing your hands isn't 保养, but a ten-step skincare routine is. Sweeping the floor isn't 保养, but waxing a wooden floor is. The word implies a level of depth, technicality, or 'nourishment' beyond basic hygiene.

To truly master 保养 (bǎoyǎng), you should know how it compares to its synonyms. Each of these words has a specific 'flavor' and domain.

维护 (wéihù): Used for systems, software, infrastructure, and rights. You '维护' a website or '维护' your legal rights. It feels more technical and abstract than '保养.'
Example: 系统维护 (System maintenance).
修养 (xiūyǎng): While it contains the same '养' (nourish), this word refers to personal cultivation, manners, or recuperating from an illness. You '去山里修养' (go to the mountains to recuperate).
Example: 他的修养很高 (He has great personal cultivation/manners).
呵护 (hēhù): This is a very gentle, emotional word meaning 'to cherish and take care of.' It's often used in commercials for baby products or skincare to imply a tender touch.
Example: 呵护娇嫩的肌肤 (Cherish/protect delicate skin).

我们需要定期维护这个数据库，但我们要保养服务器的硬件。

Another word often seen in similar contexts is 调理 (tiáolǐ). This is specifically used in health and TCM to mean 'recuperating' or 'nursing one's health' through diet or medicine. If 保养 is keeping your body in shape, 调理 is fixing a slight imbalance in your health.

手术后，他需要一段时间的调理。(After surgery, he needs a period of recuperation.)

In summary, choose 保养 when you are talking about the physical upkeep of a car, a machine, a luxury item, or your own skin and general health. Use its alternatives when the context shifts to abstract systems (维护), gentle emotional care (呵护), or character development (修养).

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient times, '保' (bǎo) depicted a person carrying a child on their back, emphasizing the idea of protection and responsibility.

Guide de prononciation

UK /baʊ jæŋ/

US /baʊ jæŋ/

The stress is equal on both syllables, but the first syllable's tone change is key.

Rime avec

草场 (cǎochǎng) 早场 (zǎochǎng) 导演 (dǎoyǎn) 跑马 (pǎomǎ - partial) 老乡 (lǎoxiāng) 扫荡 (sǎodàng) 表扬 (biǎoyáng) 海洋 (hǎiyáng)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'bao' with a flat first tone.
Forgetting the tone sandhi rule (3-3 becomes 2-3).
Confusing 'yang' with 'yan'.
Pronouncing it as 'baoyang' with no tone distinction.
Stressing only the second syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Characters are relatively common but need careful recognition.

Écriture 3/5

Writing '养' (yǎng) can be tricky for beginners due to the strokes.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is easy if you remember the tone sandhi.

Écoute 2/5

Commonly heard in daily life and advertisements.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

保护衣服身体好做

Apprends ensuite

维护修理零件寿命健康

Avancé

养生之道延年益寿防微杜渐工业维护

Grammaire à connaître

Tone Sandhi (3-3 rule)

Bǎo (3) + Yǎng (3) becomes Báo (2) + Yǎng (3).

Resultative Complements

保养得很好 (Maintained well).

Preposition '给'

给车做保养 (Do maintenance for the car).

Necessity with '需要'

机器需要保养 (The machine needs maintenance).

Adverbial Placement

定期保养 (Regularly maintain).

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Exemples par niveau

我保养我的毛衣。

I maintain my sweater.

Subject + Verb + Object

这件衣服很难保养。

This piece of clothing is hard to maintain.

Using '很难' (very hard) as an adverbial phrase.

你要保养你的皮肤。

You need to take care of your skin.

Using '要' (need/must) to express necessity.

我的车需要保养。

My car needs maintenance.

Noun usage of '保养'.

他很会保养。

He knows how to maintain (himself/things) well.

'很会' indicates skill or habit.

我们要好好保养身体。

We should take good care of our bodies.

'好好' emphasizes doing something thoroughly.

这双皮鞋要保养。

These leather shoes need maintenance.

Simple Subject + Verb.

保养很重要。

Maintenance is very important.

'保养' as a subject.

我每个月都给车做保养。

I do maintenance for my car every month.

Using '给...做保养' structure.

这种包需要用油保养。

This kind of bag needs oil for maintenance.

Specifying the method of maintenance.

她为了保养皮肤，不吃辣。

In order to take care of her skin, she doesn't eat spicy food.

Using '为了' (for the sake of) to show purpose.

旧家具也需要保养。

Old furniture also needs maintenance.

Including '也' (also).

请问保养一次多少钱？

May I ask how much one maintenance service costs?

Asking about cost.

你的头发保养得很好。

Your hair is maintained very well.

Verb + 得 + Complement.

因为没保养，自行车坏了。

Because it wasn't maintained, the bike broke.

Using '因为' to show cause.

冬天要注意保养皮肤。

In winter, you should pay attention to skincare.

Using '要注意' (should pay attention to).

定期保养可以延长机器的寿命。

Regular maintenance can extend the life of the machine.

Using '定期' (regularly) as an adjective.

这家店专门做名牌包的保养。

This shop specializes in the maintenance of brand-name bags.

Using '专门' (specially).

他看上去很年轻，是因为他注重保养。

He looks young because he emphasizes maintenance.

Using '注重' (to emphasize/focus on).

如果疏于保养，钢琴会跑调。

If maintenance is neglected, the piano will go out of tune.

Using '疏于' (to neglect).

我们需要一份详细的保养计划。

We need a detailed maintenance plan.

Using '详细的' (detailed) as an adjective.

保养手册里有详细的说明。

The maintenance manual has detailed instructions.

Compound noun '保养手册'.

这辆二手车的保养记录很完整。

This second-hand car's maintenance record is very complete.

Compound noun '保养记录'.

为了身体健康，他开始学习养生和保养。

For his health, he started learning about health preservation and maintenance.

Pairing with '养生'.

这台精密仪器必须由专业人员保养。

This precision instrument must be maintained by professionals.

Passive-like structure with '由'.

由于保养不当，这件古董失去了价值。

Due to improper maintenance, this antique lost its value.

Using '保养不当' (improper maintenance).

这种材料的保养成本非常高。

The maintenance cost of this material is very high.

Using '保养成本' (maintenance cost).

他不仅保养身体，还非常注重心理健康。

He not only maintains his body but also pays great attention to mental health.

Using '不仅...还...' (not only... but also).

我们要建立一套完善的设备保养制度。

We need to establish a complete equipment maintenance system.

Using '制度' (system/regulations).

他保养得宜，岁月的痕迹并不明显。

He has maintained himself well; the marks of time are not obvious.

Using '保养得宜' (well-maintained).

房屋的日常保养是房客的责任。

Daily maintenance of the house is the tenant's responsibility.

Using '责任' (responsibility).

良好的保养是保证生产效率的前提。

Good maintenance is the prerequisite for ensuring production efficiency.

Using '前提' (prerequisite).

该建筑的保养工作涉及多项复杂的工艺。

The maintenance of this building involves several complex techniques.

Formal noun usage.

他对于古典吉他的保养有着近乎苛刻的要求。

He has almost harsh requirements for the maintenance of classical guitars.

Using '近乎苛刻' (almost harsh).

通过科学的保养，我们可以延缓细胞的衰老。

Through scientific maintenance, we can delay the aging of cells.

Scientific context.

保养不仅是技术问题，更是一种对待生活的态度。

Maintenance is not just a technical issue, but an attitude toward life.

Philosophical usage.

这家公司以其优质的售后保养服务闻名。

This company is famous for its high-quality after-sales maintenance service.

Compound noun '售后保养'.

由于长期疏于保养，桥梁出现了结构性损伤。

Due to long-term neglect of maintenance, the bridge developed structural damage.

Formal cause-effect structure.

这种特殊涂层极大地降低了飞机的保养频率。

This special coating has greatly reduced the maintenance frequency of the aircraft.

Using '频率' (frequency).

在保养古籍时，温湿度的控制至关重要。

When maintaining ancient books, control of temperature and humidity is crucial.

Using '至关重要' (crucial).

传统文化的保养与传承需要全社会的共同努力。

The maintenance and inheritance of traditional culture require the joint efforts of society.

Metaphorical usage for culture.

他深谙身体保养之道，举手投足间尽显活力。

He is well-versed in the way of physical maintenance, showing vitality in every move.

Using '深谙...之道' (well-versed in the way of...).

该项目的保养预算因通货膨胀而大幅增加。

The maintenance budget for the project increased significantly due to inflation.

Economic context.

这种保养液的化学成分经过了严格的实验室论证。

The chemical components of this maintenance fluid have undergone rigorous laboratory verification.

Highly technical vocabulary.

保养工作虽繁琐，却是防微杜渐的关键所在。

Although maintenance is tedious, it is the key to nipping problems in the bud.

Using the idiom '防微杜渐'.

在快节奏的现代生活中，心理保养显得尤为紧迫。

In fast-paced modern life, psychological maintenance seems particularly urgent.

Abstract psychological context.

该古迹的保养方案必须兼顾美学价值与结构安全。

The maintenance plan for this historical site must balance aesthetic value and structural safety.

Using '兼顾' (to balance/take care of both).

他那辆保养得如新车般的古董车引起了众人的围观。

His antique car, maintained like a new one, attracted a crowd of onlookers.

Complex descriptive structure.

Collocations courantes

保养皮肤

汽车保养

保养得好

定期保养

保养手册

保养费用

衣物保养

缺乏保养

保养期

深度保养

Phrases Courantes

做保养

— To perform maintenance (usually for a car).

我下午要去给车做保养。

注重保养

— To emphasize or pay great attention to maintenance.

他一直很注重身体保养。

学会保养

— To learn how to maintain something.

我们要学会保养自己的眼睛。

疏于保养

— To neglect maintenance.

房子因为疏于保养，墙皮都掉了。

保养秘籍

— Maintenance secrets or tips (often for beauty).

她分享了她的皮肤保养秘籍。

基础保养

— Basic maintenance.

这是每天必须做的基础保养。

专业保养

— Professional maintenance.

昂贵的手表需要专业保养。

保养说明

— Maintenance instructions.

买衣服时要看清楚保养说明。

保养不到位

— Maintenance is not done properly or sufficiently.

机器故障是因为保养不到位。

保养如新

— Maintained so well it looks like new.

这件旧家具保养如新。

Souvent confondu avec

保养 vs 修理

Repairing something broken vs. preventing it from breaking.

保养 vs 维护

Maintaining systems/software vs. physical objects/health.

保养 vs 保护

Protecting from outside harm vs. internal upkeep.

Expressions idiomatiques

"防微杜渐"

— To prevent problems by addressing them when they are small; often used to justify maintenance.

定期检查是防微杜渐的好办法。

Formal

"养精蓄锐"

— To preserve one's energy; related to the 'nourishing' aspect of maintenance.

比赛前，他需要养精蓄锐。

Neutral

"精打细算"

— Careful calculation and strict budgeting, often applied to maintenance costs.

他在保养费用上精打细算。

Neutral

"延年益寿"

— To prolong life and increase longevity through health maintenance.

适当的运动可以延年益寿。

Formal

"焕然一新"

— To take on a completely new look after maintenance.

旧车保养后焕然一新。

Neutral

"半途而废"

— To give up halfway; used when someone stops a maintenance routine.

保养皮肤不能半途而废。

Neutral

"日积月累"

— To accumulate over a long period; the results of maintenance are seen this way.

保养的效果是日积月累的。

Neutral

"历久弥新"

— To become even newer/better as time goes by (due to good care).

好的友谊历久弥新。

Literary

"物尽其用"

— To make the best use of everything, which requires good maintenance.

保养好工具才能物尽其用。

Neutral

"有备无患"

— Preparedness ensures no trouble; the philosophy of preventative maintenance.

定期保养，有备无患。

Neutral

Facile à confondre

保养 vs 修养

Contains '养' and relates to personal state.

修养 is about manners/character; 保养 is about physical health/objects.

他很有修养 (He has good manners).

保养 vs 养生

Relates to health.

养生 is a holistic lifestyle concept; 保养 is specific physical care.

他在学养生 (He is studying health preservation).

保养 vs 护理

Relates to care.

护理 is more professional/medical (nursing/beauty treatment).

皮肤护理 (Skin treatment).

保养 vs 维修

Relates to maintenance/repair.

维修 focuses on fixing and maintaining technical equipment.

电梯维修 (Elevator repair/maintenance).

保养 vs 照顾

General word for care.

照顾 is for people's needs; 保养 is for objects' longevity or skin.

照顾孩子 (Take care of a child).

Structures de phrases

Subject + 保养 + Object

我保养衣服。

给 + Object + 做保养

给汽车做保养。

Subject + 保养得 + Adjective

他保养得很好。

注重 + Object + 的保养

注重皮肤的保养。

由于 + 疏于保养 + Result

由于疏于保养，机器坏了。

保养 + 涉及 + Complex Object

保养工作涉及多项工艺。

以...保养 + 为主

以日常保养为主。

深谙...保养之道

他深谙身体保养之道。

Famille de mots

Noms

保养品 (Maintenance products/cosmetics)

保养费 (Maintenance fee)

保养工 (Maintenance worker)

Verbes

保 (To protect)

养 (To nourish/raise)

养护 (To maintain/conserve)

Adjectifs

保养得宜 (Well-maintained)

缺乏保养的 (Under-maintained)

Apparenté

修理

维护

养生

保护

护理

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in urban life (cars, beauty, appliances).

Erreurs courantes

Using '保养' for fixing a broken phone. → 修理我的手机。
保养 is for preventative care, not fixing what is already broken.
Saying '保养孩子' (maintaining a child). → 照顾孩子。
You 'raise' (养) or 'care for' (照顾) children, but you don't 'maintain' (保养) them like machines.
Using '保养' for a software update. → 系统维护。
Software requires 'maintenance' (维护), not 'nourishing upkeep' (保养).
Saying '他在医院保养' to mean he is being treated. → 他在医院治疗/修养。
保养 is not for medical treatment; '修养' is for recuperation.
Forgetting the tone change in 'bǎoyǎng'. → Pronouncing it as 'báoyǎng'.
Two third tones in a row require the first to change to the second tone.

Astuces

The Philosophy of Yang

The '养' (yǎng) in '保养' is the same as in '养生' (yǎngshēng). It suggests that everything is a living system that needs nourishment to thrive. When you '保养' your car, you are treating it with the same respect as a living thing.

Car Service

In China, car maintenance is often sold in packages. '大保养' (Major service) and '小保养' (Minor service) are standard terms you'll see at service centers.

Luxury Care

High-end brands like Hermès or Rolex offer '保养服务' (maintenance service). This is a key word if you own luxury goods in China.

Complement of Degree

Always remember the '得' when describing how well something is maintained. '保养得...' is a very common pattern.

Tone Sandhi

Don't forget the 3-3 to 2-3 tone change. Say 'báo-yǎng', not 'bǎo-yǎng'.

Body as a Machine

Think of your body as a high-performance machine. To keep it running, you need '保养' (maintenance).

Character Breakdown

Focus on the '羊' (sheep) inside '养'. In ancient China, sheep represented nourishment and beauty.

Context Clues

If you hear '4S店', the next word you hear will likely be '保养'.

Complimenting Elders

Saying '您保养得真好' to an elder is a very polite and well-received compliment in Chinese culture.

Manuals

Look for the character '保' on product labels. It often leads to maintenance or warranty information.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine you are PROTECTING (保) a small plant by NOURISHING (养) it with water. You are maintaining its life.

Association visuelle

A person polishing a vintage car or someone applying a face mask. Both are keeping something 'fresh'.

Word Web

Car Skin Clothes Piano Health Elevator Furniture Antique

Défi

Try to find three things in your room that need '保养' and say their names in Chinese followed by '需要保养'.

Origine du mot

The word is composed of '保' (protect/keep) and '养' (nourish/raise). In classical Chinese, '保' referred to raising a child or protecting a state, while '养' referred to providing food and care. The combination emerged in the modern era to describe the upkeep of technology and health.

Sens originel : To protect and nourish.

Sino-Tibetan

Contexte culturel

Be careful when complimenting someone on their '保养' - ensure it sounds like a tribute to their health rather than a comment on their age.

English speakers often use 'maintenance' for machines but 'skincare' for skin. In Chinese, '保养' covers both beautifully.

Skincare influencers on Weibo/Xiaohongshu. Car maintenance manuals from brands like BYD or Geely. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts on 'Yang Sheng'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Car Repair Shop

我想做常规保养。
保养需要多长时间？
费用是多少？
有保养记录吗？

At a Skincare Counter

这套保养品适合我吗？
如何保养干燥的皮肤？
这是基础保养吗？
效果怎么样？

In a Clothing Store

这件大衣怎么保养？
可以用水洗吗？
需要干洗吗？
这种面料好保养吗？

At Home

这台钢琴该保养了。
你要好好保养身体。
电梯正在保养。
地板需要打蜡保养。

Talking about Antiques

这件古董保养得很好。
环境湿度影响保养。
请勿触摸，以便保养。
专家建议定期保养。

Amorces de conversation

"你平时是怎么保养皮肤的？ (How do you usually take care of your skin?)"

"你的车多久做一次保养？ (How often do you get your car serviced?)"

"你觉得这件衣服好保养吗？ (Do you think this piece of clothing is easy to maintain?)"

"有什么保养身体的好建议吗？ (Do you have any good advice for maintaining one's health?)"

"这架钢琴多久需要保养一次？ (How often does this piano need maintenance?)"

Sujets d'écriture

写一写你每天的皮肤保养步骤。 (Write about your daily skincare routine.)

描述一次你给车或电器做保养的经历。 (Describe an experience of maintaining a car or appliance.)

为什么定期保养东西很重要？谈谈你的看法。 (Why is regular maintenance important? Talk about your view.)

如果你有一件很贵的衣服，你会如何保养它？ (If you had a very expensive piece of clothing, how would you maintain it?)

谈谈你对'身体保养'的理解。 (Talk about your understanding of 'body maintenance'.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but usually only for the physical parts (cleaning the fan, etc.). For the software, use '维护' (wéihù).

It is both. You can say '我保养车' (verb) or '去做保养' (noun).

保养 is preventative (before it breaks). 修理 is corrective (after it breaks).

You can say '皮肤保养' (pífū bǎoyǎng) or '护肤' (hùfū).

Metaphorically, yes, but it is much more common for physical things. '维护' is better for relationships.

It means someone has taken such good care of themselves that they look younger than they are.

No. For pets, use '养' (yǎng - to raise) or '照顾' (zhàogù - to take care of).

Yes, it's used for equipment upkeep, factory maintenance, and property management.

No. Homework doesn't need maintenance. This word is only for things that degrade over time.

It's neutral. It can be used in casual conversation and in formal technical reports.

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