Adopting a child means legally taking them into your family and raising them as your own.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To legally take a child into your family.
- Making an unrelated child your own.
- A formal process of becoming parents.
Overview
领养 (lǐngyǎng) 是一个动词，意思是收养一个孩子，使其成为自己的合法子女。这个词语主要用于描述一种家庭和社会行为，即无子女的家庭或希望扩大家庭规模的家庭，通过法律程序收养一个没有父母照顾或父母无力照顾的孩子。在中国，领养需要遵循严格的法律规定和程序。
领养通常与“孩子”、“孤儿”、“家庭”、“父母”等词语搭配使用。它可以用于主动收养，也可以被动地被领养。例如，“他们决定领养一个孩子”或“这个孩子被一对好心的夫妇领养了”。动词“领养”后面可以直接跟名词（被领养的对象），也可以通过“被”字结构来表示被动。
这个词语常见于新闻报道（关于孤儿院、儿童福利）、家庭故事、法律文件以及社会讨论中。在日常对话中，人们也可能谈论领养话题，例如讨论朋友或亲戚的领养经历，或者表达对无家可归儿童的关怀。
抚养是指养育和教育孩子，使其成长。它强调的是对孩子的照顾和教育过程，而不一定是法律上的收养关系。亲生父母也需要抚养孩子。
认养通常指在特定场合（如寺庙、收容所）为动物、植物等起名字并承担照顾责任，有时也用于指收养孩子，但不如“领养”正式和普遍。
Examples
这对夫妇多年无子，最终决定领养一个孩子。
everydayThe couple, who had been childless for many years, finally decided to adopt a child.
根据相关法律，领养人必须满足一系列条件。
formalAccording to relevant laws, adoptive parents must meet a series of conditions.
他是我爸妈领养的，我们关系一直很好。
informalI was adopted by my parents; we've always had a great relationship.
该福利机构致力于为被遗弃儿童寻找合适的领养家庭。
academicThis welfare institution is dedicated to finding suitable adoptive families for abandoned children.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
领养一个孩子
adopt a child
申请领养
apply for adoption
合法领养
legal adoption
Often Confused With
While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, '收养' (shōuyǎng) is a broader term that can include adopting animals or other non-human entities. '领养' (lǐngyǎng) specifically refers to adopting a child.
'抚养' (fǔyǎng) means to raise and nurture a child, focusing on the act of upbringing and education. It does not necessarily imply a legal adoption process; biological parents also '抚养' their children.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '领养' is generally used in formal or semi-formal contexts when discussing the legal act of taking a child into one's family. In very casual conversation about family, people might use simpler terms or describe the situation without using this specific verb. It implies a serious, long-term commitment.
Common Mistakes
Confusing '领养' (adopting a child) with '收养' (broader adoption, including animals) or '抚养' (raising/nurturing) can lead to misunderstandings. Ensure the context clearly indicates the adoption of a child.
Tips
Understand the Legal Process
Adopting a child is a significant legal undertaking. Always follow the official procedures and consult with relevant authorities.
Avoid Informal Arrangements
Informal or unofficial 'adoptions' can lead to legal complications and may not be in the best interest of the child.
Family Continuity
In traditional Chinese culture, lineage and family continuity are highly valued. Adoption can be seen as a way to ensure this continuity.
Word Origin
The word '领养' is a compound word. '领' (lǐng) means to receive, lead, or accept. '养' (yǎng) means to raise, nurture, or support. Together, they signify the act of receiving and raising a child as one's own.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, having children is often seen as essential for family continuation. Adoption provides a way for individuals or couples who cannot have biological children to experience parenthood and fulfill societal expectations.
Memory Tip
Think of '领' (lǐng) as 'leading' or 'receiving' a child into your family, and '养' (yǎng) as 'raising' or 'nurturing' them. You are leading a child into your life to raise them.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions领养特指收养孩子，使其成为合法子女。收养的范围更广，可以包括孩子、动物等。在法律上，领养孩子通常需要满足更严格的条件。
在中国，领养孩子需要满足年龄、婚姻状况、经济能力、无子女等一系列法定条件。具体规定可以在《中华人民共和国民法典》中查阅。
在法律上，被领养的孩子和亲生孩子享有同等的权利和义务。在情感上，通过领养建立的家庭关系同样可以充满爱和温暖。
是的，除了领养，还有寄养（foster care）等方式。寄养通常是临时的，旨在为暂时无法由亲生家庭照顾的孩子提供一个安全的环境，直到他们能回到亲生家庭或被领养。
Test Yourself
他们决定从孤儿院 ______ 一个小女孩。
这里描述的是通过正式程序收养孩子，因此使用“领养”最恰当。
关于“领养”这个词，下列哪个描述是正确的？
领养的核心含义是收养孩子，并建立法律上的亲子关系。
孩子 / 夫妇 / 决定 / 领养 / 一对
这是一个主谓宾结构完整的句子，表达了“一对夫妇”这个主语“决定领养”一个“孩子”这个宾语。
Score: /3
Summary
Adopting a child means legally taking them into your family and raising them as your own.
- To legally take a child into your family.
- Making an unrelated child your own.
- A formal process of becoming parents.
Understand the Legal Process
Adopting a child is a significant legal undertaking. Always follow the official procedures and consult with relevant authorities.
Avoid Informal Arrangements
Informal or unofficial 'adoptions' can lead to legal complications and may not be in the best interest of the child.
Family Continuity
In traditional Chinese culture, lineage and family continuity are highly valued. Adoption can be seen as a way to ensure this continuity.
Examples
4 of 4这对夫妇多年无子，最终决定领养一个孩子。
The couple, who had been childless for many years, finally decided to adopt a child.
根据相关法律，领养人必须满足一系列条件。
According to relevant laws, adoptive parents must meet a series of conditions.
他是我爸妈领养的，我们关系一直很好。
I was adopted by my parents; we've always had a great relationship.
该福利机构致力于为被遗弃儿童寻找合适的领养家庭。
This welfare institution is dedicated to finding suitable adoptive families for abandoned children.
