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A1 noun #4,000 most common 8 min read

家养

jiayang Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 家养 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 家养 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '家' means home and '养' means to raise. '家养' (jiāyǎng) describes animals that live with people as pets or on small farms. You will use it to talk about your '家养猫' (pet cat) or '家养狗' (pet dog). It is a very simple way to say 'This animal belongs to a home.' If you see a dog on the street and someone says '这是家养的' (zhè shì jiāyǎng de), it means 'This is a pet/domesticated dog,' so you don't need to be afraid. Focus on using it with '的' (de) before an animal name.

At the A2 level, you can start using '家养' to talk about food and plants. In China, '家养的鸡' (home-raised chicken) or '家养的菜' (home-grown vegetables) are very popular because people think they are healthier than things bought in a big supermarket. You can use this word when you visit a friend's house and see their plants: '这些花是家养的吗？' (Are these flowers home-grown?). You should also know the opposite word: '野生' (yěshēng), which means wild. Comparing '家养' and '野生' is a great way to practice your descriptive skills.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of '家养' in different social contexts. It isn't just about where an animal sleeps; it’s about the quality of care. In discussions about the environment or health, '家养' implies a lack of chemicals or industrial processing. You might use it in a conversation about hobbies, like '我喜欢家养一些小动物' (I like raising some small animals at home). Note that '家养' is an adjective here, but '养' is the verb. Understanding how these two interact will help you build more complex sentences about your lifestyle and preferences.

At the B2 level, '家养' appears in more formal discussions about biology and sociology. You might read about '家养动物的起源' (the origin of domesticated animals) or the '家养化' (domestication) process. You should be able to distinguish '家养' from more technical terms like '驯化' (xùnhuà - evolutionary domestication) and '饲养' (sìyǎng - to raise for commercial purposes). At this level, you can also use '家养' metaphorically in literature or creative writing to describe things that have been 'tamed' by society or habit, contrasting them with 'wild' or 'untamed' ideas.

At the C1 level, you can explore the deep cultural connotations of '家养'. In Chinese culture, the '家' (home) is a sacred space of safety. '家养' represents a bridge between nature and human civilization. You should be able to discuss the ethical implications of '家养' versus '野生' in the context of animal rights or food security. You might encounter the word in classical-style modern prose where it reflects on the domesticity of human life. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing between '家养' (home-raised) and '家传' (family-inherited) or other '家-' prefix compounds.

At the C2 level, you should have a native-like grasp of '家养', including its use in rare idioms, regional dialects, and high-level academic discourse. You can analyze how the concept of '家养' has shifted from a survival necessity in agrarian China to a luxury/lifestyle choice in urban China. You should be able to use the term in complex debates about genetic modification (e.g., how '家养' species differ from their '野生' ancestors at a genomic level). At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a lens through which to view Chinese history and the human-nature relationship.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

家养 in 30 Seconds

家养 (jiāyǎng) means domesticated or home-raised, used for pets and food.
It combines 'Home' (家) and 'Raise' (养) to describe non-wild organisms.
In food contexts, it suggests 'organic' or 'high quality' small-scale farming.
Commonly used with the particle '的' (de) to modify nouns like animals or plants.

The term 家养 (jiāyǎng) is a foundational compound in Chinese that bridges the gap between the domestic sphere and the natural world. Etymologically, it is composed of 家 (jiā), meaning 'home' or 'family', and 养 (yǎng), meaning 'to raise', 'to nurture', or 'to provide for'. Together, they describe the act of keeping and raising animals or plants within a human-controlled environment. While often translated as 'domesticated', it carries a more literal sense of 'raised at home' or 'home-grown'. This distinction is vital in Chinese culture, where the provenance of food and the nature of companionship are deeply valued.

The Concept of Provenance: In a culinary context, 家养 often implies a higher quality or more 'organic' status compared to industrial farming. A '家养鸡' (home-raised chicken) is perceived as tastier and more nutritious because it was raised in a traditional, small-scale setting rather than a factory.
Biological Classification: Biologically, it distinguishes species that have adapted to live alongside humans. For example, 家养动物 (domesticated animals) are contrasted with '野生动物' (wild animals). This usage is common in educational and scientific discussions.
Emotional Connection: When referring to pets, using 家养 emphasizes the bond of care. It suggests the animal is part of the household fabric, not just a stray or a wild creature passing through.

“这些花不是野生的，是家养的。” (These flowers aren't wild; they are home-grown.)

Common usage distinguishing origin.

“这是我奶奶家养的猪肉。” (This is pork from a pig my grandmother raised at home.)

Furthermore, the word is used to describe the state of being tamed. In literature, a '家养的灵魂' (a domesticated soul) might be a metaphor for someone who has lost their wild, adventurous spirit to the comforts of a settled life. However, in daily A1-level conversation, you will primarily use it to talk about pets like cats (家养猫) and dogs (家养狗), or to clarify that an animal is not a threat because it belongs to a person. It is a versatile term that fits into conversations about biology, food, gardening, and family life seamlessly.

Using 家养 correctly requires understanding its role as an attributive adjective or a verb-object compound that functions as a descriptor. In most cases, it is followed by the particle 的 (de) when modifying a noun. Let's explore the structural patterns that make this word work in various contexts.

Pattern: [家养] + [的] + [Noun]: This is the most frequent structure. It specifies that the noun (usually an animal or plant) is domesticated.
Example: 家养的小兔子很可爱。 (The home-raised little rabbit is very cute.)
Pattern: [Noun] + [是] + [家养] + [的]: Used for identification or clarification.
Example: 这只鸭子是家养的。 (This duck is domesticated.)

“我们家不吃超市的鸡，只吃家养的。” (Our family doesn't eat supermarket chicken; we only eat home-raised ones.)

In more advanced contexts, 家养 can be part of formal biological terms. For instance, 家养生物学 (Domestic Biology) or 家养化 (Domestication). However, for a beginner, focusing on the distinction between 'wild' (野生) and 'domesticated' (家养) is the most practical path. You might hear a neighbor say, '这是家养的，不咬人' (It's domesticated/a pet, it doesn't bite), which is a common way to reassure someone who might be afraid of a dog.

“家养动物需要人类的照顾。” (Domesticated animals need human care.)

When discussing plants, 家养 is often used for indoor plants or backyard gardens. If you have a succulent on your desk, you could describe it as 家养植物. This differentiates it from the flora you might find in a public park or a forest. The word emphasizes the environment of the 'home' as the primary source of the organism's life and growth.

The word 家养 resonates through various layers of Chinese society, from the bustling wet markets to the quiet corners of biology classrooms. Understanding its real-world placement helps you grasp its cultural weight. You will encounter this word in three primary environments: the kitchen/market, the pet industry, and ecological education.

The Wet Market (菜市场): In the market, vendors will shout '家养土鸡!' (Home-raised local chicken!). Here, 家养 is a marketing term. It signals to the buyer that the animal was not raised on a 'mass-production' farm. It implies a slower growth cycle, better feed, and ultimately, a superior taste. For a Chinese shopper, 家养 is synonymous with 'authentic' and 'healthy'.
The Pet Shop (宠物店): When adopting a pet, you might ask if the kitten is '家养的' or a '流浪猫' (stray cat). A 家养 kitten is expected to be more socialized, vaccinated, and accustomed to indoor living. It suggests a history of human interaction.
Scientific Documentaries (纪录片): In documentaries like 'A Bite of China' or nature shows, 家养 is used to contrast the evolution of species. You'll hear phrases like '从野生到家养' (from wild to domesticated), explaining how humans transformed wolves into dogs or wild boars into pigs.

“这是我家里家养的蜂蜜，非常纯正。” (This is honey from bees we raise at home; it's very pure.)

You might also hear this word in casual conversation when someone is describing their lifestyle. For example, '我是一个家养的人' (I am a 'domesticated' person), which is a humorous, slangy way to say they are a homebody who prefers staying in over going out. While not the literal meaning, it shows how the concept of 'being raised at home' permeates the Chinese psyche as a symbol of stability and safety.

While 家养 seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble when applying it to humans or confusing it with other 'raising' verbs. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid to ensure your Chinese sounds natural and respectful.

Mistake 1: Using it for Children: Never say '家养孩子' to mean raising a child. While '养' (yǎng) is used for children, 家养 is reserved for animals and plants. For children, use '抚养' (fǔyǎng - to nurture/bring up) or simply '养' (yǎng) in a family context. Using 家养 for a child sounds like you are treating them like livestock.
Mistake 2: Confusing with '驯养' (xùnyǎng): '驯养' means to tame or domesticate wild animals through training (like a circus lion). 家养 refers to the state of being raised at home. You wouldn't call a circus tiger '家养', but you would call a house cat '家养'.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the '的' (de): In casual speech, beginners often say '这是家养猫'. While understandable, it should be '这是家养的猫'. The 'de' is the glue that turns the concept into a specific attribute.

❌ “我家养了两个儿子。” (Incorrect usage for children.)
✅ “我养了两个儿子。” (Correct: I am raising two sons.)

Another mistake is overusing it for commercial products. If you buy a plant from a massive nursery, it's '养殖' (yǎngzhí - cultivated), not necessarily '家养'. Reserve '家养' for things that actually have a connection to a specific 'home' or the general concept of domesticity versus the wild. By keeping these distinctions in mind, you'll avoid the 'uncanny valley' of Chinese learners who translate literally without considering the social implications of the words they choose.

To truly master 家养, you must see how it sits in a family of related terms. Each word in this group has a specific 'flavor' and context. Choosing the right one shows a high level of linguistic sensitivity.

驯化 (xùnhuà) - Domestication (Evolutionary): This is a scientific term. It refers to the multi-generational process of changing a wild species into a domestic one. 家养 is the result; 驯化 is the process.
Example: '狗是由狼驯化而来的' (Dogs were domesticated from wolves).
饲养 (sìyǎng) - To Raise/Breed (Professional): This emphasizes the act of feeding and caring for animals, often in a commercial or systematic way. 饲养 is more about the 'how' (feeding/husbandry), while 家养 is about the 'where' (at home).
土 (tǔ) - Local/Native/Rustic: In food contexts, '土' (like 土鸡 - local chicken) is often used interchangeably with 家养 to mean non-industrial. However, '土' focuses on the breed/origin, while 家养 focuses on the environment of raising.

“比起饲养场的猪，我更喜欢吃家养的。” (Compared to farm-raised pigs, I prefer eating home-raised ones.)

When you want to emphasize that something is a pet, you might use '宠物' (chǒngwù). If you want to say 'domesticated animal' in a formal biology report, '家畜' (jiāchù - livestock) or '家禽' (jiāqín - poultry) are better. 家养 remains the most versatile, everyday term that covers everything from your goldfish to your grandma's backyard tomatoes. It is the 'warmest' of these words, carrying connotations of home, care, and personal connection.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character for 'Home' (家) actually contains the character for 'Pig' (豕), showing how central domestication is to the concept of a household in Chinese history.

Pronunciation Guide

UK djuːˈmɛstɪkeɪtɪd

US dəˈmɛstəˌkeɪtəd

Primary stress on 'jiā', secondary on 'yǎng'.

Rhymes With

家 (jiā) rhymes with 花 (huā), 虾 (xiā), 瓜 (guā). 养 (yǎng) rhymes with 广 (guǎng), 赏 (shǎng), 响 (xiǎng).

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jiā' as 'jià' (4th tone).
Pronouncing 'yǎng' as 'yáng' (2nd tone).
Merging the two syllables into one blurred sound.
Confusing 'jiā' with 'jiǎ' (fake).
Using the wrong tone for 'yǎng' which could sound like 'yang' (sun/ocean).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Characters are basic (家 and 养 are taught early).

Writing 2/5

The character '养' has several strokes but follows a logical structure.

Speaking 1/5

Simple two-syllable word with clear tones.

Listening 1/5

Very common in daily life and market settings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

家 (Home) 养 (Raise) 动物 (Animal) 猫 (Cat) 狗 (Dog)

Learn Next

野生 (Wild) 驯化 (Domestication) 养殖 (Breeding) 宠物 (Pet) 土 (Local/Native)

Advanced

生物多样性 (Biodiversity) 基因工程 (Genetic engineering) 生态平衡 (Ecological balance) 畜牧业 (Animal husbandry) 自然选择 (Natural selection)

Grammar to Know

Attributive '的' (de)

家养【的】猫 (Domesticated cat)

Resultative Complements

养【活】了 (Raised it successfully)

Comparison with '比' (bǐ)

家养的【比】野生的好。

Existential '有' (yǒu)

家里【有】家养动物。

Adverb '只' (zhǐ)

【只】吃家养的。

Examples by Level

这是我家的家养猫。

This is my family's pet cat.

家养 (domesticated) + 的 (de) + 猫 (cat).

那只狗是家养的。

That dog is domesticated.

Subject + 是 + 家养的 (predicate).

我不怕家养的动物。

I am not afraid of domesticated animals.

Negation '不' + '怕' (fear) + Object.

家养的小鸟很可爱。

Domesticated birds are very cute.

Adjective phrase modifying '小鸟'.

你有家养的宠物吗？

Do you have any pets (domesticated animals)?

Question with '吗'.

家养的鸭子不会飞。

Domesticated ducks cannot fly.

Subject + '不会' (cannot) + Verb.

这是家养的兔子。

This is a domesticated rabbit.

Simple demonstrative sentence.

我喜欢家养的小猫。

I like domesticated kittens.

Verb '喜欢' + Object.

奶奶送给我一只家养的鸡。

Grandmother gave me a home-raised chicken.

Indirect object '我' + Direct object '鸡'.

家养的蔬菜比超市的好吃。

Home-grown vegetables are tastier than supermarket ones.

Comparison using '比'.

这些花是家养的，不是野生的。

These flowers are home-grown, not wild.

Contrast '是...不是...'.

他家里有很多家养植物。

There are many indoor (home-raised) plants in his house.

Existential sentence with '有'.

家养的猪肉味道很香。

The taste of home-raised pork is very fragrant.

Noun phrase '家养的猪肉' + Adjective.

这种鱼是家养的吗？

Is this kind of fish domesticated (farmed at home)?

Measure word '种' + Question.

家养蜜蜂可以产蜂蜜。

Domesticated bees can produce honey.

Modal verb '可以'.

我们家只吃家养的鸡蛋。

Our family only eats home-raised eggs.

Adverb '只' (only).

家养动物需要更多的关爱和责任。

Domesticated animals need more care and responsibility.

Abstract nouns '关爱' and '责任'.

由于人类的活动，很多野生动物变成了家养动物。

Due to human activity, many wild animals became domesticated.

'由于' (due to) + '变成' (become).

他喜欢在阳台上种一些家养的草药。

He likes to plant some home-grown herbs on the balcony.

Verb '种' + Object.

家养的宠物往往比野生的更长寿。

Domesticated pets often live longer than wild ones.

'往往' (often) + '更' (more).

这些家养的蚕正在吃桑叶。

These domesticated silkworms are eating mulberry leaves.

Continuous action '正在'.

家养环境对动物的行为有很大影响。

The domestic environment has a great impact on animal behavior.

'对...有影响' (have an impact on).

他专门买家养的土特产送人。

He specifically buys home-raised local specialties as gifts.

Adverb '专门' (specially).

家养的鸽子总是能找到回家的路。

Domesticated pigeons can always find their way home.

'总是' (always) + '能' (can).

家养化是人类文明进步的重要标志。

Domestication is an important sign of the progress of human civilization.

Formal noun phrase as subject.

研究表明，家养动物的大脑容量通常会减小。

Research shows that the brain capacity of domesticated animals usually decreases.

'研究表明' (research shows) + clause.

这些家养品种经过了数百年的选育。

These domesticated breeds have undergone hundreds of years of selective breeding.

'经过' (undergo) + '选育' (breeding).

家养植物的基因多样性往往低于野生亲缘种。

The genetic diversity of domesticated plants is often lower than that of their wild relatives.

Comparative '低于' (lower than).

在这一章中，我们将讨论家养动物的福利问题。

In this chapter, we will discuss the welfare issues of domesticated animals.

'在...中' (in ...) + '讨论' (discuss).

家养和野生的界限在某些情况下变得模糊。

The boundary between domesticated and wild becomes blurred in some cases.

Subject as a contrast: '家养和野生'.

政府鼓励农民发展家养特种养殖。

The government encourages farmers to develop home-based specialty breeding.

Verb '鼓励' (encourage) + Object + Verb phrase.

家养环境改变了动物的自然本能。

The domestic environment has changed the natural instincts of animals.

Verb '改变' (change) + Object.

家养动物与人类之间建立了一种深刻的共生关系。

A profound symbiotic relationship has been established between domesticated animals and humans.

'建立' (establish) + '共生关系' (symbiosis).

他那家养的性格使他很难适应充满竞争的外部世界。

His 'domesticated' (tamed) personality makes it hard for him to adapt to the competitive outside world.

Metaphorical use of '家养'.

家养化不仅仅是生物学上的改变，更是文化的演进。

Domestication is not just a biological change, but a cultural evolution.

'不仅是...更是...' (not only... but even more...).

这种家养的宁静正是他多年来一直追求的。

This domestic tranquility is exactly what he has been pursuing for years.

Abstract use of '家养' to describe a state.

文章探讨了家养品种在现代农业中的经济价值。

The article explores the economic value of domesticated breeds in modern agriculture.

Formal verb '探讨' (explore/discuss).

家养动物的驯服程度取决于其与人类互动的频率。

The degree of tameness in domesticated animals depends on the frequency of their interaction with humans.

'取决于' (depends on).

这种植物虽然是家养的，但依然保留了野生的抗逆性。

Although this plant is domesticated, it still retains wild resilience.

'虽然...但依然...' (although... but still...).

家养化过程中出现的表型变化被称为“驯化综合征”。

The phenotypic changes that occur during the domestication process are called 'domestication syndrome'.

Passive structure '被称为'.

家养化作为一种深刻的人为干预，重塑了地球的生物景观。

Domestication, as a profound human intervention, has reshaped the Earth's biological landscape.

Appositive '作为...干预'.

我们需要重新审视家养动物在伦理框架中的地位。

We need to re-examine the status of domesticated animals within an ethical framework.

Formal verb '审视' (examine closely).

家养品种的退化问题引起了遗传学家的广泛关注。

The issue of degradation in domesticated breeds has attracted widespread attention from geneticists.

Subject '退化问题' + '引起...关注'.

这种家养的温顺往往掩盖了其祖先原始的野性。

This domestic docility often masks the primal wildness of its ancestors.

Literary verb '掩盖' (mask/hide).

家养化不仅改变了物种，也深刻地改变了人类的社会结构。

Domestication not only changed species but also profoundly changed human social structures.

Parallel structure with '不仅...也...'.

在后工业时代，‘家养’的概念正在经历一场语义上的变革。

In the post-industrial era, the concept of 'domesticated' is undergoing a semantic transformation.

'经历' (undergo) + '变革' (transformation).

家养动物的心理健康逐渐成为兽医学研究的新前沿。

The mental health of domesticated animals is gradually becoming a new frontier in veterinary research.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

家养与野生的二元对立在当代生态哲学中受到了挑战。

The binary opposition between domestic and wild has been challenged in contemporary ecological philosophy.

Philosophical terminology.

Common Collocations

家养动物

家养植物

家养的鸡

家养宠物

家养环境

家养品种

家养蜜蜂

家养化

非家养

家养猫狗

Common Phrases

家养土鸡

— Home-raised local chicken, highly prized for flavor.

超市里买不到真正的家养土鸡。

家养小猫

— A kitten raised in a home environment.

这只家养小猫非常粘人。

家养盆栽

— Potted plants raised at home.

家养盆栽可以净化空气。

家养猪肉

— Pork from a pig raised on a small farm or home.

家养猪肉没有腥味。

家养蜜蜂

— Beekeeping at home.

他家养蜜蜂已经十年了。

家养的鱼

— Fish raised in a home pond or tank.

这些家养的鱼很好看。

家养兔子

— Domesticated rabbits.

家养兔子喜欢吃胡萝卜。

家养鸽子

— Domesticated pigeons.

他在屋顶上养了一些家养鸽子。

家养蚕宝宝

— Silkworms raised at home (often by children).

小朋友们在学校观察家养蚕宝宝。

家养花卉

— Flowers grown at home.

这些家养花卉开得很漂亮。

Often Confused With

家养 vs 家庭 (jiātíng)

Means 'family' as a unit, not the act of raising something.

家养 vs 家务 (jiāwù)

Means 'housework' or 'chores'.

家养 vs 养成 (yǎngchéng)

Means 'to form' (a habit) or 'to develop'.

Idioms & Expressions

"家养的灵魂"

— Metaphor for a person who has lost their adventurous spirit.

他那家养的灵魂不再渴望远方。

Literary

"家养的野兽"

— Something dangerous that has been deceptively tamed.

嫉妒是一只家养的野兽。

Poetic

"家养之物"

— Anything that belongs to the domestic sphere.

这些都是家养之物，不可随意丢弃。

Formal

"家养性"

— The quality of being domestic or tame.

这种动物的家养性很强。

Scientific

"家养习惯"

— Habits formed within a domestic setting.

他保留了一些家养习惯。

Neutral

"家养文明"

— Civilization based on domestication.

人类开启了家养文明。

Academic

"家养情调"

— A domestic or cozy atmosphere.

屋子里充满了家养情调。

Literary

"家养教育"

— Education received at home (homeschooling context).

他接受的是家养教育。

Rare

"家养神话"

— Myths related to domestic animals.

中国有很多家养神话。

Academic

"家养之乐"

— The joy of domestic life or raising things.

他沉浸在家养之乐中。

Literary

Easily Confused

家养 vs 养育

Both involve 'raising'.

'养育' is specifically for children and involves education and nurturing. '家养' is for animals/plants.

父母养育了我。

家养 vs 抚养

Both involve 'raising'.

'抚养' is a legal/formal term for raising children or supporting elders.

他有抚养权。

家养 vs 饲养

Both involve raising animals.

'饲养' focuses on the act of feeding/husbandry, often commercially. '家养' focuses on the domestic location.

他在饲养场工作。

家养 vs 栽培

Both involve raising plants.

'栽培' is more formal and specific to plants. '家养' is more general.

我们要栽培人才。

家养 vs 驯化

Both involve domestication.

'驯化' is the biological process over time. '家养' is the current state of being raised at home.

人类驯化了小麦。

Sentence Patterns

这是家养的[Noun]。

这是家养的猫。

[Noun]是家养的，不是野生的。

这朵花是家养的，不是野生的。

我喜欢[Verb]一些家养的[Noun]。

我喜欢种一些家养的蔬菜。

家养[Noun]比野生[Noun]更[Adjective]。

家养动物比野生动物更温顺。

随着家养化的发展，[Clause]。

随着家养化的发展，人类的生活发生了变化。

家养与野生的界限在于[Noun/Clause]。

家养与野生的界限在于人为干预的程度。

我有一只家养的[Noun]。

我有一只家养的狗。

家养的[Noun]很好吃。

家养的鸡肉很好吃。

Word Family

Nouns

家 (Home)

养分 (Nutrient)

养育 (Upbringing)

Verbs

养 (To raise)

养活 (To support/feed)

赡养 (To support parents)

Adjectives

家养的 (Domesticated)

养人的 (Nourishing)

家庭 (Family)

家具 (Furniture)

养猪 (Raising pigs)

养花 (Growing flowers)

教养 (Upbringing/Manners)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in food, pet, and biology contexts.

Common Mistakes

家养孩子 (jiāyǎng háizi) → 养孩子 (yǎng háizi)
Do not use '家养' for humans; it's only for animals/plants.
家养猫 (jiāyǎng māo) → 家养的猫 (jiāyǎng de māo)
Missing the particle 'de' makes it sound slightly truncated.
Confusing 家养 with 饲养 → Use 家养 for location, 饲养 for act of feeding.
饲养 is more professional/commercial.
Using 家养 for wild animals in a zoo. → 人工饲养 (réngōng sìyǎng)
Zoo animals are 'artificially raised', not 'home-raised'.
家养的习惯 → 生活习惯 (shēnghuó xíguàn)
Unless you mean 'domesticated habits' metaphorically, it's incorrect.

Tips

Foodie Tip

If you see '家养' on a menu in China, expect it to be more expensive and tastier than standard dishes.

Tone Accuracy

Make sure 'jiā' is high and flat. If you drop the tone, it might sound like 'jià' (price).

The 'DE' Rule

Always use '的' (de) when putting '家养' before a noun for the most natural sound.

Gifting

Giving someone '家养' eggs or fruit is a very traditional and appreciated gift in China.

Scientific Context

In scientific papers, look for '家养化' (jiāyǎnghuà) to mean domestication.

Metaphor

Calling a friend '家养' might mean they are a bit of a homebody or sheltered.

Vet Visits

A vet might ask if an animal is '家养的' to determine its exposure to wild diseases.

Character Balance

In '养', the top part (羊) should be slightly wider than the bottom part.

Visual Link

Visualize a pig (豕) under a roof (宀) being fed (养).

Wild vs. Home

Practice by labeling photos as either '家养' or '野生'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'JIA' (Home) where you 'YANG' (Raise) a pet. Under the roof of your home, you nurture life.

Visual Association

Imagine a cozy house with a small garden where a chicken and a cat are playing together.

Word Web

家 (Home) 养 (Raise) 动物 (Animal) 植物 (Plant) 宠物 (Pet) 野生 (Wild) 土 (Local) 驯化 (Taming)

Challenge

Try to name three things in your house that are '家养' and three things outside that are '野生'.

Word Origin

Composed of two ancient pictograms. '家' represents a pig under a roof, symbolizing a household. '养' represents a person providing food (originally sheep/goat) to nurture.

Original meaning: To raise livestock within the confines of a home or farm.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Cultural Context

Avoid using '家养' to describe people, as it can imply they are 'kept' or 'tamed' like animals.

English speakers often say 'home-grown' for plants and 'domesticated' or 'pet' for animals. '家养' covers all of these.

The concept of '家养' animals is central to the 'Year of the Pig' and other zodiac lore. Ancient Chinese agricultural texts like 'Qi Min Yao Shu' discuss '家养' techniques. Modern food documentaries like 'A Bite of China' frequently highlight '家养' ingredients.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Talking about pets

这是家养的吗？
家养的猫很听话。
我想买家养的宠物。
家养动物很安全。

Buying food at a market

这是家养的鸡吗？
家养的比超市的好。
我想要家养的猪肉。
家养的鸡蛋很香。

Gardening/Plants

这是家养的盆栽。
家养植物需要阳光。
我不喜欢家养的花。
这是家养的草药。

Biology class

家养化的历史。
家养与野生的区别。
家养品种的特点。
家养动物的福利。

Visiting someone's home

你家养了什么？
家养的小动物真可爱。
这些是家养的蔬菜吗？
家养的感觉真好。

Conversation Starters

"你家里有家养的宠物吗？ (Do you have any pets at home?)"

"你觉得家养的鸡味道更好吗？ (Do you think home-raised chicken tastes better?)"

"你想尝试在阳台种家养蔬菜吗？ (Do you want to try growing vegetables on your balcony?)"

"家养动物和野生动物，你更喜欢哪种？ (Domestic or wild animals, which do you prefer?)"

"你认为家养化对人类有什么好处？ (What benefits do you think domestication has for humans?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一只你喜欢的家养动物。 (Describe a domesticated animal you like.)

谈谈你对家养食品（如家养土鸡）的看法。 (Talk about your views on home-raised food.)

如果可以，你想在家养什么不寻常的东西？ (If possible, what unusual thing would you want to raise at home?)

比较家养生活和野生生活的优缺点。 (Compare the pros and cons of domestic vs. wild life.)

写一段关于人类如何开始家养动物的故事。 (Write a story about how humans began domesticating animals.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '家养' is strictly for animals and plants. For a baby, use '养' (yǎng) or '抚养' (fǔyǎng). Using '家养' for a human sounds very dehumanizing.

In food, '家养' means raised at home, while '土' means a local/native breed. They are often used together (家养土鸡) to mean a high-quality, non-industrial product.

It can be both. It's often used as an adjective (家养的) or a noun in biological contexts (家养化).

You can say '家养的蔬菜' or '自家种的蔬菜' (zìjiā zhòng de shūcài).

It is neutral. It's used in everyday markets and in scientific biology books.

The opposite is '野生' (yěshēng), which means wild.

Yes, '家养植物' is a common term for houseplants.

Not necessarily. It could be a pet (like a cat) or livestock (like a chicken raised for food).

In ancient China, having a pig under your roof meant you had a stable, domesticated source of food, which defined a 'home'.

Yes, that is perfectly correct.