扶養
扶養 em 30 segundos
- Fuyou is a formal noun/verb meaning 'financial support for dependents,' primarily used for family members who cannot earn their own income.
- It is a key term for Japanese taxes (deductions) and health insurance, where dependents are added to a primary earner's plan.
- Grammatically, you use 'fuyou suru' (to support) or 'fuyou ni hairu' (to become a dependent for tax/insurance purposes).
- Socially, it reflects the legal and ethical duty (fuyou gimu) in Japan for relatives to assist one another financially.
The Japanese word 扶養 (ふよう - fuyou) is a formal noun and suru-verb that translates most directly to "financial support," "maintenance," or "providing for dependents." While in English we might say we are "supporting" our family, 扶養 carries a specific legal and economic weight in Japanese society, often tied to tax codes, social security, and family law. It specifically refers to the act of providing the necessary funds and resources for someone who cannot support themselves, such as children, elderly parents, or a non-working spouse.
- Economic Context
- In the Japanese tax system, being in someone's 'fuyou' (扶養に入る) means you are registered as their dependent, which allows the head of the household to claim a tax deduction known as 'fuyou koujo'.
Understanding 扶養 is crucial for anyone living or working in Japan because it dictates how much take-home pay a worker receives and how health insurance premiums are calculated. If a person is under another's 扶養, they are often covered by the primary earner's health insurance without paying extra premiums. This system has created the famous 'walls' of income (like the 1.03 million yen wall) where part-time workers limit their hours to remain under the 扶養 status of their spouse.
彼は高齢の両親を扶養しているため、税金の控除を受けている。(Because he is supporting his elderly parents, he receives a tax deduction.)
The kanji themselves tell a story of assistance. The first character, 扶 (fu), means to assist, help, or support, often depicted as a hand helping a person. The second character, 養 (you), means to nurture, foster, or rear, originally showing a sheep (representing food or wealth) being provided. Together, they represent the structured, long-term nurturing of another person's life through financial and material means.
- Legal Obligation
- Under Article 877 of the Japanese Civil Code, lineal blood relatives and siblings have a mutual duty to support each other (扶養義務 - fuyou gimu) if one party is in need.
離婚後も子供の扶養義務は継続する。(The obligation to support children continues even after divorce.)
Culturally, 扶養 reflects the traditional Japanese 'Ie' (family) system where the head of the household was responsible for all members. Even today, while the nuclear family is more common, the expectation that children will provide 扶養 for their aging parents remains a significant social theme, often discussed in the context of Japan's aging population (shoushi koureika). It is not merely a choice but often viewed as a fundamental social contract between generations.
将来、親を扶養するつもりですか? (Do you intend to support your parents in the future?)
Using 扶養 (fuyou) correctly involves understanding its role as both a noun and a verb when combined with suru. It is most commonly used in bureaucratic, professional, and legal settings. When you are the one providing support, you are the 扶養者 (fuyousha), and the person being supported is the 被扶養者 (hifuyousha).
- As a Verb (扶養する)
- Use 'wo fuyou suru' to indicate who you are supporting financially. Example: 'Kazoku wo fuyou suru' (to support one's family).
One of the most frequent grammatical constructions you will encounter is 扶養に入る (fuyou ni hairu), which literally means "to enter into support." This is the standard way to say that someone is becoming a dependent for tax or insurance purposes. For example, a student might stay in their parents' 扶養 until they find a full-time job.
結婚して夫の扶養に入ることになった。(I decided to get married and become a dependent of my husband.)
Another common pattern is 扶養から外れる (fuyou kara hazureru), meaning "to leave support." This happens when a dependent's income exceeds the legal limit, requiring them to pay their own taxes and insurance premiums. This is often a major life event for part-time workers or young adults starting their careers.
- Compound Nouns
- 扶養家族 (fuyou kazoku) - dependent family members. 扶養手当 (fuyou teate) - dependency allowance (a benefit paid by some Japanese companies).
会社から月々2万円の扶養手当が支給される。(A monthly dependency allowance of 20,000 yen is provided by the company.)
In formal documents, you might see 扶養控除等申告書 (fuyou koujo-tou shinkokusho), which is the "Application for Exemption for Dependents." Every employee in Japan has to fill this out at the end of the year. Mastering this word allows you to navigate the complexities of Japanese paperwork with confidence.
この書類に扶養家族の氏名を記入してください。(Please write the names of your dependent family members on this document.)
Lastly, consider the nuances of 'fuyou' versus 'yashinau' (養う). While 'yashinau' is a more general verb for feeding or providing for someone, 'fuyou' is the technical term used in law and accounting. If you are speaking to a friend, you might say 'kazoku wo yashinatte iru' (I'm supporting my family), but in a job interview or at the city office, 'fuyou' is the appropriate choice.
You will encounter 扶養 (fuyou) in several specific real-world environments in Japan. It is not a word used in casual slang, but it is omnipresent in the lives of working adults and families. The most common place is the Human Resources (HR) department or during the Year-End Tax Adjustment (nenmatsu chousei).
- Tax Season Conversations
- Every November and December, office workers across Japan discuss their 'fuyou' status. You'll hear phrases like 'Fuyou no han-ni-nai de hataraku' (Working within the limits of dependency support) to avoid paying extra taxes.
In the news, 扶養 is a hot topic regarding the social welfare system. Journalists often discuss the '130-man-en no kabe' (the 1.3 million yen wall), which refers to the income threshold where a person must leave their spouse's health insurance 扶養 and pay into the system themselves. This is a significant political issue because it is seen as a barrier to women working more hours.
政府は扶養控除の見直しを検討している。(The government is considering a review of the dependency deduction.)
Another place you'll hear it is in legal dramas or news reports about divorce. The term 扶養料 (fuyouryou) refers to maintenance or alimony, though 'youikushi' (child support) is more common for children. When a court orders a person to support an ex-spouse or an elderly relative, the term 扶養 is used to describe that legal mandate.
- City Hall (Yakusho)
- When applying for health insurance or child benefits at the local ward office, the staff will ask about your 'fuyou kazoku' to determine your eligibility for various subsidies.
健康保険の扶養認定には、収入証明書が必要です。(Income certification is required for health insurance dependency certification.)
Lastly, in family discussions, especially regarding the care of elderly parents, siblings might discuss 'dare ga oya wo fuyou suru ka' (who will financially support the parents). This can be a sensitive topic, involving the balance of financial contribution versus physical care (kaigo). While 'kaigo' is the physical nursing, 'fuyou' is the checkbook that pays for it.
兄が父を、私が母を扶養することに決まった。(It was decided that my older brother would support our father, and I would support our mother.)
While 扶養 (fuyou) is straightforward in its technical meaning, English speakers often make mistakes by using it too broadly or confusing it with similar terms. The most common error is using it for emotional or moral support. In Japanese, if you want to say you support a friend's dream or a political cause, you should use 支持 (shiji) or 応援 (ouen), not 扶養.
- Mistake 1: Supporting Friends
- Saying 'Tomodachi wo fuyou suru' sounds like you are legally and financially responsible for your friend's daily living expenses, like a parent to a child. Use 'ouen suru' for cheering them on.
Another frequent point of confusion is between 扶養 (fuyou) and 介護 (kaigo). As Japan ages, these two are often used together, but they are not interchangeable. Kaigo is physical nursing care—helping someone bathe, eat, or move. Fuyou is purely the financial and material maintenance. You can provide 扶養 for someone without ever seeing them (by sending money), but 介護 requires physical presence or hiring a professional.
❌ Incorrect: 足の悪い祖父を扶養しています。(I am 'supporting' my grandfather who has bad legs — implies only money.)
✅ Correct: 足の悪い祖父を介護しています。(I am 'nursing/caring for' my grandfather who has bad legs.)
Learners also confuse 扶養 (fuyou) with 養育 (youiku). While both involve nurturing, youiku is specifically for raising children and includes education and discipline. 扶養 is the broader, more technical term for the financial support of any family member. When talking about child support payments after a divorce, 'youikushi' (養育費) is the standard term, whereas 'fuyou' is used in the tax context for those same children.
- Mistake 2: Pronunciation
- Don't confuse 'fuyou' with 'fuyuu' (浮遊 - floating) or 'fuyuu' (富裕 - wealthy). The long 'o' sound in 'you' (よう) is critical.
Finally, remember that 扶養 is a formal word. Using it in a very casual setting might make you sound like a lawyer or a tax accountant. While it's not 'wrong' to use it with family, the verb 養う (yashinau) is much more natural for everyday speech when expressing the pride or burden of supporting a household.
Casual: 「家族を養うために働いている。」 (I'm working to feed/support my family.)
Formal: 「家族を扶養するための手続きを行う。」 (I will perform the procedures to support my family as dependents.)
To truly master 扶養 (fuyou), you must see how it sits in a web of related Japanese terms. Depending on the nuance of 'support' you want to convey, there are several alternatives that might be more appropriate.
- 養う (Yashinau)
- This is the native Japanese (kun-yomi) verb that forms the basis of the 'you' in fuyou. It means to feed, maintain, or bring up. It feels more personal and less 'tax-related' than fuyou. You 'yashinau' your family, your pets, or even a talent.
- 養育 (Youiku)
- Specifically used for the upbringing and education of children. It includes the concept of 'raising' them, not just paying for them. 'Youiku-hi' is child support.
- 支援 (Shien)
- General support or aid. This is used for disaster relief, supporting a business, or helping a friend. It doesn't imply the same legal or familial obligation as fuyou.
When comparing these, think of a hierarchy of formality and specific application. Fuyou is the most technical and legalistic. Yashinau is the most human and physical. Shien is the most broad and flexible.
Comparison:
1. 妻を扶養する (Providing for wife as a legal dependent).
2. 妻を養う (Feeding/supporting wife - sounds more like a personal commitment).
3. 妻を支援する (Supporting wife's project or career).
Other technical terms include 維持 (iji), which means 'maintenance' but is usually for objects like cars or buildings, and 保護 (hogo), which means 'protection' and is used in 'seikatsu hogo' (welfare/public assistance). If the support comes from the government rather than a family member, hogo is the likely term.
In a business context, you might also hear 援助 (enjo), which is assistance or a grant. For example, 'shikin enjo' is financial assistance. Unlike 扶養, which is an ongoing relationship of maintenance, enjo can be a one-time act of helping someone out of a difficult spot.
親からの資金援助を受けて起業した。(I started a business with financial assistance from my parents.)
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
The kanji for 'you' (養) contains the character for 'sheep' (羊) at the top. In ancient China, sheep were a primary source of food and wealth, so nurturing someone meant giving them sheep to eat!
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing 'you' too short (like 'fuyo' instead of 'fuyoo').
- Confusing 'fu' with 'hu' (it's a soft blow between the lips).
- Pronouncing it like 'fuyuu' (floating), which has a long 'u' sound.
- Adding a stress accent on the first syllable.
- Pronouncing the 'n' sound at the end if it were 'fuyon' (there is no 'n').
Nível de dificuldade
The kanji are N2-level, but the concept is encountered early in life in Japan.
Writing '扶' and '養' correctly requires practice with strokes.
Easy to say, but hard to use in the correct context without sounding too formal.
Distinctive sound, but easily confused with 'fuyuu' if not careful.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
〜を〜に入れる (To put ... into ...)
子供を扶養に入れる。
〜から外れる (To leave/come off ...)
扶養から外れる。
〜内で (Within the range of ...)
扶養内で働く。
〜義務がある (To have the obligation to ...)
扶養義務がある。
〜とされる (It is considered/defined as ...)
法律で扶養家族とされる。
Exemplos por nível
私は家族を扶養しています。
I am supporting my family.
Uses the basic 'wo ... shite imasu' form for a continuous state.
扶養家族はいますか?
Do you have any dependent family members?
Common question on forms.
父は私を扶養してくれました。
My father supported me.
Uses 'shite kureta' to show gratitude for the support.
扶養にはお金が必要です。
Money is necessary for support.
Shows 'fuyou' as a noun.
兄は母を扶養しています。
My older brother is supporting my mother.
Standard subject-object-verb structure.
扶養の意味を教えてください。
Please tell me the meaning of 'fuyou'.
Simple request for information.
彼は三人の子供を扶養している。
He is supporting three children.
Quantifier 'san-nin' added.
扶養は大切です。
Support is important.
A simple 'A is B' sentence.
仕事を辞めて、夫の扶養に入りました。
I quit my job and became a dependent of my husband.
Uses 'ni hairu' to mean becoming a dependent.
扶養手当がいくらもらえるか確認した。
I checked how much dependency allowance I can get.
Compound noun 'fuyou teate'.
親を扶養するのは大変なことです。
Supporting one's parents is a difficult thing.
Uses 'no wa' to turn the phrase into a subject.
彼は扶養家族が多いので、税金が安いです。
Because he has many dependents, his taxes are low.
Shows the cause-and-effect of tax deductions.
扶養家族の氏名をここに書いてください。
Please write the names of your dependents here.
Imperative 'kudasai' for instructions.
私はまだ両親に扶養されています。
I am still being supported by my parents.
Passive form 'fuyou sarete iru'.
扶養から外れると、自分で保険を払います。
When you leave support, you pay insurance yourself.
Conditional 'to' used for general rules.
扶養控除について、もっと知りたいです。
I want to know more about the dependency deduction.
Uses 'nitsuite' to mean 'about'.
パートの収入が103万円を超えると、扶養から外れてしまいます。
If my part-time income exceeds 1.03 million yen, I will end up leaving the dependency status.
Uses 'te shimau' to show an undesirable outcome.
法律では、親族間で扶養義務があると定められています。
By law, it is established that there is a duty of support between relatives.
Formal passive 'sadamerarete iru'.
扶養家族が増えたので、年末調整の書類を書き直した。
Since my dependents increased, I rewrote the year-end adjustment documents.
Compound noun 'nenmatsu chousei'.
彼は一人で家族五人を扶養しなければならない。
He must support a family of five by himself.
Must-do form 'nakereba naranai'.
健康保険の扶養に入れるための条件を確認する。
Check the conditions for putting someone on health insurance as a dependent.
Uses 'tame no' to modify 'jouken'.
扶養控除を受けるためには、証明書が必要です。
To receive the dependency deduction, a certificate is required.
Uses 'ukeru' as the verb for receiving a tax benefit.
離婚した夫から子供の扶養料を受け取っている。
I am receiving child maintenance from my divorced husband.
Specific noun 'fuyou-ryou'.
彼女は親の扶養を離れて、自立することに決めた。
She decided to leave her parents' support and become independent.
Uses 'wo hanarete' to mean leaving a state.
共働きの世帯が増え、どちらの扶養に入るかが議論になることもある。
As dual-income households increase, it sometimes becomes a debate which parent's dependency status to enter.
Formal structure '...ga giron ni naru'.
扶養控除の縮小は、子育て世代にとって大きな負担増となる。
The reduction of the dependency deduction will be a significant burden increase for the child-rearing generation.
Noun-heavy formal style.
別居している親を扶養に入れる場合は、送金証明が必要です。
When putting a parent living separately on your dependency status, proof of remittance is required.
Conditional 'baai' with specific requirements.
社会保険の扶養認定基準が厳格化されている。
The criteria for health insurance dependency certification are becoming stricter.
Uses 'ka sarete iru' for a changing state.
彼は多額の借金を抱え、家族を扶養する能力を失った。
He fell into heavy debt and lost the ability to support his family.
Relative clause modifying 'nouryoku'.
扶養義務の範囲は、基本的には三親等内の親族までです。
The scope of the duty of support basically extends to relatives within the third degree of kinship.
Legal terminology 'san-shintou'.
所得税法上の扶養と、健康保険法上の扶養は基準が異なる。
Dependency under the Income Tax Law and dependency under the Health Insurance Law have different criteria.
Contrastive 'jou' meaning 'from the standpoint of'.
若者の非正規雇用が増えると、将来的に親を扶養できなくなる懸念がある。
If non-regular employment among youth increases, there is a concern that they won't be able to support their parents in the future.
Noun clause ending in 'kenen ga aru'.
民法877条1項によれば、直系血族及び兄弟姉妹は互いに扶養をする義務がある。
According to Article 877, Paragraph 1 of the Civil Code, lineal blood relatives and siblings have a mutual duty to support each other.
Highly formal legal citation style.
扶養義務の履行を怠った場合、家庭裁判所から勧告を受ける可能性がある。
If one neglects to fulfill the duty of support, they may receive a recommendation from the Family Court.
Formal nouns like 'rikou' (fulfillment) and 'okotta' (neglected).
少子高齢化社会において、公的扶助と私的扶養のバランスが問われている。
In an aging society with a low birthrate, the balance between public assistance and private support is being questioned.
Abstract sociological terminology.
被扶養者の年間収入の見込み額が基準を超えると、遡って認定が取り消される。
If the estimated annual income of a dependent exceeds the limit, the certification will be revoked retroactively.
Legal/Administrative term 'sakanobotte' (retroactively).
生活保持義務としての扶養は、自己と同程度の生活を保障するものである。
Support as a 'duty to maintain life' is something that guarantees a standard of living equal to one's own.
Specific legal concept 'seikatsu hoji gimu'.
国際結婚の場合、どの国の法律を準拠法として扶養義務を定めるかが問題となる。
In the case of international marriages, which country's law should be the governing law to determine the duty of support becomes an issue.
Complex 'ka' clause as a subject.
経済的自立が困難な若年層が増加し、親による扶養の長期化が社会問題化している。
The number of young people finding it difficult to be economically independent is increasing, and the prolongation of support by parents is becoming a social problem.
Causative-passive-like structure 'mondai-ka shite iru'.
相続において、被相続人を特別に扶養していた者には寄与分が認められることがある。
In inheritance, a person who provided extraordinary support to the deceased may be granted a 'contributory portion'.
Inheritance law terminology 'kiyobun'.
日本型福祉社会の根幹は、家族間の相互扶養という倫理観に深く根ざしている。
The foundation of the Japanese-style welfare society is deeply rooted in the ethical view of mutual support between family members.
Philosophical and academic tone.
扶養控除の廃止論は、個人の自立を促す側面と、世帯の困窮を招く懸念の狭間で揺れている。
The argument for abolishing the dependency deduction wavers between the aspect of encouraging individual independence and the concern of causing household poverty.
Metaphorical 'hazama de yurete iru'.
近代家族の成立過程において、扶養は単なる生存の保障から、愛情の証左へと変容を遂げた。
In the process of the formation of the modern family, support transformed from a mere guarantee of survival to evidence of affection.
Historical/Sociological analysis.
扶養義務の不履行に対する罰則の強化は、私的領域への国家介入という議論を孕んでいる。
Strengthening penalties for non-fulfillment of the duty of support carries the debate of state intervention into the private sphere.
Heavy verb 'harande iru' (pregnant with/carrying).
グローバル化に伴い、国境を越えた扶養義務の履行確保に関する国際的な枠組みが不可欠となっている。
With globalization, an international framework for ensuring the fulfillment of cross-border support obligations has become indispensable.
Administrative/Diplomatic phrasing.
被扶養者の認定における「生計維持関係」の解釈は、時代の変遷と共に多様化している。
The interpretation of 'livelihood maintenance relationship' in the certification of dependents has diversified with the transition of the times.
Abstract noun modification.
扶養という行為に内在する権力関係を解体し、真のケアの倫理を再構築する必要がある。
It is necessary to dismantle the power relations inherent in the act of support and reconstruct a true ethics of care.
Critical theory/Post-modern terminology.
税制上の扶養単位を世帯から個人へと移行させる議論は、フェミニズム経済学の視点からも重要視されている。
The debate over shifting the tax unit for dependency from the household to the individual is also emphasized from the perspective of feminist economics.
Specialized academic terminology.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— To register someone as a dependent family member. Used during job intake or tax season.
妻を扶養家族として登録した。
— To work within the income limits of a dependent. This is a very common strategy for part-time workers in Japan.
彼女は扶養範囲内で働くように調整している。
— To stop being a dependent. This happens when your income goes over a certain limit.
来月から扶養を外れてフルタイムで働く。
— To fulfill one's duty of support. Refers to the legal or moral obligation to provide for kin.
彼は長男として親への扶養義務を果たしている。
— To receive a dependency tax deduction. This reduces the amount of income tax you pay.
子供が大学生になり、扶養控除を受けることになった。
— To become a dependent. Usually refers to the status on a health insurance plan.
退職したので、夫の被扶養者になった。
— To apply for a dependency allowance. Some companies pay this to employees with families.
新しく子供が生まれたので扶養手当を申請した。
— Confirmation of dependents. A common task for HR departments every year.
会社から扶養家族の確認書類が届いた。
— The ability to support. Refers to whether a person has enough income to provide for others.
彼には家族を扶養する能力が十分にある。
— Support relationship. The legal or factual link between a supporter and a dependent.
二人の間には扶養関係が認められる。
Frequentemente confundido com
Youiku is specifically for raising children (education/growth), while fuyou is the broad financial support for any relative.
Kaigo is physical nursing care. Fuyou is financial maintenance. You can fuyou someone without providing kaigo.
Shien is general aid/support for anyone. Fuyou is specifically for legal dependents within a family.
Expressões idiomáticas
— The 1.03 million yen wall. The income limit to remain a tax dependent of a spouse.
103万円の壁を意識して働く。
Common/News— The 1.3 million yen wall. The income limit to remain on a spouse's health insurance as a dependent.
130万円の壁を超えると社会保険料がかかる。
Common/News— Duty of support. Often used to emphasize the weight of responsibility.
親には子を、子には親を扶養する義務がある。
Formal— To 'carry' or 'have' dependents. Implies the weight or burden of support.
彼は多くの扶養家族を抱えて苦労している。
Neutral— To fall into the support net. Sometimes used for social welfare context.
親族の扶養の網にかかることができない人もいる。
Metaphorical— To become independent from support. Literally 'standing on one's own'.
大学を卒業して、ようやく扶養から一本立ちした。
Informal— The benefits of support. Refers to the tax or insurance perks.
扶養の恩恵を最大限に受ける。
Neutral— The 'frame' or 'limit' of support. Refers to the legal/tax boundaries.
扶養の枠を超えないように調整する。
Neutral— Outside the scope of support. Used when someone doesn't qualify as a dependent.
共働きの場合、妻は夫の扶養の対象外となることが多い。
Formal— To use 'support' as a shield. Used when someone uses their status to avoid work or taxes.
扶養を盾にして、これ以上働こうとしない。
Negative nuanceFácil de confundir
Similar pronunciation.
Fuyuu means floating in the air or water. Fuyou is financial support.
宇宙空間を浮遊する。(Floating in space.)
Similar pronunciation.
Fuyuu means wealthy or affluent. Fuyou is financial support.
富裕層向けのサービス。(Services for the wealthy.)
Identical pronunciation (homophone).
不要 means unnecessary or not needed. Context is key.
外出は不要です。(Going out is unnecessary.)
Similar pronunciation.
Fuyo means to grant or give (e.g., points or rights).
ポイントを付与する。(To grant points.)
Similar sound.
Fukuyou means taking medicine.
食後に服用してください。(Please take after meals.)
Padrões de frases
[Person] は [Person] を扶養しています。
田中さんはお母さんを扶養しています。
[Person] の扶養に入る。
結婚して夫の扶養に入る。
[Amount] を超えると扶養から外れる。
130万円を超えると扶養から外れる。
扶養控除を受けるために [Document] が必要だ。
扶養控除を受けるために証明書が必要だ。
[Person] には扶養義務がある。
親族には互いに扶養義務がある。
扶養の認定基準が [Verb-form].
扶養の認定基準が厳格化された。
〜を扶養家族として申告する。
子供を扶養家族として申告する。
扶養という概念の変遷を辿る。
日本における扶養という概念の変遷を辿る。
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Relacionado
Como usar
High in adult life, particularly in business and legal contexts.
-
Using 'fuyou' for a friend.
→
支援 (shien) or 応援 (ouen).
Fuyou is for family dependents. Supporting a friend's business or emotional state uses 'shien' or 'ouen'.
-
Using 'fuyou' for nursing care.
→
介護 (kaigo).
Fuyou is financial. If you are helping an elderly person bathe or eat, you are providing 'kaigo'.
-
Confusing 'fuyou' with 'fuyuu'.
→
扶養 (fuyou).
Pronouncing it as 'fuyuu' might lead people to think you are talking about 'floating' or 'wealth'.
-
Thinking 'fuyou' is just a choice.
→
扶養義務 (fuyou gimu).
In Japan, supporting family is often a legal obligation (gimu), not just a voluntary act.
-
Using 'fuyou' for a pet.
→
飼う (kau) or 養う (yashinau).
While you pay for a pet, 'fuyou' is a human legal/tax term. Use 'kau' (to keep/raise a pet).
Dicas
Use 'ni hairu' for status
Always remember the phrase 'fuyou ni hairu'. It's the most natural way to say you are becoming a dependent for insurance or taxes. Don't say 'fuyou ni naru' as often.
The 'Walls' are real
In Japan, people take the 1.03 million and 1.3 million yen limits very seriously. If you work a part-time job, your boss might even remind you not to work too much to stay under 'fuyou'.
Look for the sheep
The kanji 養 has a sheep (羊) on top. Sheep = food/wealth. Nurturing is giving someone the 'sheep' they need to survive.
Duty of support
Remember that 'fuyou gimu' is a real law in Japan. It's why the government sometimes asks relatives to help someone before they grant welfare (seikatsu hogo).
Check your 'teate'
When looking at a Japanese job offer, check if they offer 'fuyou teate'. It can add 10,000 to 20,000 yen to your monthly salary if you have a family.
Don't confuse with 'ouen'
Never use 'fuyou' to mean 'I support your dream'. That is 'ouen'. 'Fuyou' is strictly for paying the bills.
Watch the 'u'
Be careful not to say 'fuyuu'. 'Fuyou' (support) and 'fuyuu' (wealthy/floating) are different. The 'o' sound is key.
Keep your receipts
If you support family overseas, you must have 'remittance certificates' (soukin shoumeisho) to prove 'fuyou' and get tax breaks.
Mutual support
The concept of 'sougo fuyou' (mutual support) is the heart of the Japanese insurance system. Everyone helps everyone.
Identify 'Hi-'
When you see '被' (hi) in front of 'fuyou', it always means the person *being* supported. This is a common pattern in Japanese legal terms.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'Fu' as 'Full' and 'You' as 'Youth'. You provide 'Full' support to the 'Youth' (or elderly) to keep them going. Or: 'Fu' (Help) + 'You' (Nurture) = Fuyou.
Associação visual
Imagine a hand (the radical in 扶) holding a bowl of food for a sheep (the top of 養). Supporting and feeding.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to find the word '扶養' on a Japanese tax form (Nenmatsu Chousei) or a health insurance website. See how many times it appears.
Origem da palavra
The word comes from Middle Chinese roots. The first kanji '扶' (fu) originally meant 'to support a person by the arm' or 'to help'. The second kanji '養' (you) originally meant 'to feed sheep' and evolved to mean 'to nurture' or 'to raise'.
Significado original: To assist and nurture someone by providing food and physical support.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Contexto cultural
Be careful when discussing 'fuyou' with people who may be struggling financially or going through a divorce, as it involves heavy legal and financial obligations.
In English-speaking countries, we usually just say 'dependents' or 'supporting my family.' We don't have as many specific 'income walls' tied to a spouse's insurance, though tax credits for children exist.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
At the Company (HR)
- 扶養家族の変更
- 扶養控除等申告書
- 扶養手当の申請
- 被扶養者異動届
At the City Office (Yakusho)
- 健康保険の扶養
- 扶養認定の手続き
- 収入証明書の提出
- 扶養親族の確認
Tax Season (Nenmatsu Chousei)
- 扶養控除を受ける
- 103万円の壁
- 配偶者控除
- 扶養範囲内
Family Law (Divorce/Inheritance)
- 子供の扶養料
- 扶養義務の不履行
- 親の扶養問題
- 相互扶養の原則
Job Hunting / Part-time work
- 扶養内での勤務
- 扶養を外れたくない
- 社会保険完備
- 扶養家族なし
Iniciadores de conversa
"扶養家族は何人いらっしゃいますか? (How many dependents do you have?)"
"今の仕事は扶養の範囲内でやっているんですか? (Are you doing your current job within the limits of dependency?)"
"親を扶養に入れる手続きって、難しいですか? (Is the procedure to put a parent as a dependent difficult?)"
"扶養から外れると、どれくらい税金が増えるのかな。 (I wonder how much taxes increase once you leave dependency status.)"
"将来、両親を扶養する予定はありますか? (Do you have plans to support your parents in the future?)"
Temas para diário
日本とあなたの国の扶養制度の違いについて書いてください。 (Write about the differences in the dependency systems between Japan and your country.)
自分が誰かを扶養することになったら、どのような責任を感じると思いますか? (If you were to support someone as a dependent, what kind of responsibility do you think you would feel?)
「103万円の壁」について、あなたの意見を教えてください。 (Please tell me your opinion on the '1.03 million yen wall'.)
家族を扶養するために働くことの、メリットとデメリットは何ですか? (What are the pros and cons of working to support a family?)
将来、自分が誰かの扶養に入る(養ってもらう)ことについて、どう思いますか? (How do you feel about being someone's dependent/being supported in the future?)
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is the income limit (1.03 million yen per year) for a dependent to remain eligible for the spousal tax deduction in Japan. If they earn more, the primary earner's tax increases. This is a very common topic when discussing 'fuyou'.
Yes, if your parents' income is below a certain level and you are providing for their living expenses, you can add them as 'fuyou kazoku' to get a tax deduction. You may need to provide proof of money transfers if you live separately.
Yes, there is 'tax fuyou' and 'social insurance fuyou'. If you are in someone's insurance 'fuyou', you don't have to pay your own premiums, but the income limit is usually higher (1.3 million yen) than the tax limit.
No, foreign residents in Japan who pay taxes are also entitled to 'fuyou' deductions for their dependents, even if those dependents live outside of Japan (though rules for overseas dependents have become stricter recently).
A 'hifuyousha' (被扶養者) is the person who is being supported. The prefix 'hi-' (被) means 'the one who receives the action'. So, a child or a non-working spouse is the 'hifuyousha'.
Usually when you start a new job and every year during the 'Nenmatsu Chousei' (Year-end tax adjustment) in November/December.
Yes, if a sibling is unable to work and you are supporting them, they can be considered your dependent under certain conditions.
Sort of. 'Fuyou-ryou' is the term for maintenance or alimony paid to an ex-spouse or for children. However, 'youiku-hi' is more common for child support.
You will pay more tax than necessary. You can fix this by doing a 'kakutei shinkoku' (final tax return) at the tax office later.
It's a 'Suru-verb' (noun that becomes a verb). You can say 'fuyou' (noun) or 'fuyou suru' (verb).
Teste-se 200 perguntas
Write a sentence in Japanese saying 'I am supporting my parents.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'I have three dependents.'
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Explain the difference between 'fuyou' and 'kaigo' in one Japanese sentence.
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Write a sentence: 'I decided to become a dependent of my husband.'
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Write a sentence: 'The duty of support is defined by the Civil Code.'
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Write a sentence: 'I work within the support limit.'
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Write a sentence: 'Please submit the dependency deduction form.'
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Write a sentence: 'He left his father's support and became independent.'
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Write a sentence: 'Does your company provide a dependency allowance?'
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Write a sentence: 'I need a remittance certificate for my dependent overseas.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'The number of dependents affects the tax amount.'
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Write a sentence: 'She is being supported by her older brother.'
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Write a sentence: 'The certification of dependency was revoked.'
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Write a sentence: 'I am looking for a job that covers social insurance.'
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Write a sentence: 'It is hard to support a large family alone.'
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Write a sentence: 'Is your spouse a dependent?'
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Write a sentence: 'I will apply for dependency status for my newborn child.'
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Write a sentence: 'The income wall prevents people from working more.'
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Write a sentence: 'He pays alimony every month.'
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Write a sentence: 'Mutual support is important for the family.'
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Say 'I support my family' in formal Japanese.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
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Ask 'How many dependents do you have?'
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Você disse:
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Say 'I want to work within the support limit.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'I will become a dependent of my spouse.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'I left my parents' support last year.'
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Você disse:
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Explain that you receive a dependency allowance from your company.
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Você disse:
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Say 'Supporting parents is a duty.'
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Você disse:
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Ask 'What documents are needed for the dependency deduction?'
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Você disse:
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Say 'I am the primary supporter of this household.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'If my income exceeds 1.3 million yen, I have to pay insurance.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'I need to check the certification criteria.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'The tax system for dependents is complicated.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'I am sending money to support my family abroad.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'I will add my child to my health insurance.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'My wife works part-time within the support limit.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'We discussed who will support our mother.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'The dependency deduction was reduced this year.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'I want to be independent from my parents' support.'
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Você disse:
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Say 'Is it possible to support a sibling?'
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Você disse:
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Say 'Fulfilling the duty of support is important.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
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Listen to a sentence and identify the number of dependents mentioned. (Audio: '扶養家族は妻と子供三人の計四人です。')
Listen and identify the action. (Audio: '来月から夫の扶養に入ることになりました。')
Listen and identify the problem. (Audio: '収入が基準を超えたので、扶養から外れてしまったんです。')
Listen and identify the document. (Audio: '扶養控除等申告書を明日までに提出してください。')
Listen and identify the relationship. (Audio: '私は兄に扶養されています。')
Listen and identify the amount. (Audio: '扶養手当として毎月一万五千円支給されます。')
Listen and identify the person. (Audio: '被扶養者の氏名をフルネームで書いてください。')
Listen and identify the topic. (Audio: '今日は扶養義務の法律的な範囲について勉強します。')
Listen and identify the requirement. (Audio: '送金証明書がないと、海外の家族を扶養に入れることはできません。')
Listen and identify the reason. (Audio: '税金を安くするために、母を扶養に入れました。')
Listen and identify the change. (Audio: '扶養家族が増えたので、手続きが必要です。')
Listen and identify the concern. (Audio: '扶養を外れると、自分で年金を払わなきゃいけないのが辛い。')
Listen and identify the limit mentioned. (Audio: '103万円の壁を越えないように、シフトを調整しています。')
Listen and identify the speaker's role. (Audio: '私は三人の弟たちを一人で扶養してきました。')
Listen and identify the outcome. (Audio: '扶養認定が却下されてしまいました。')
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Fuyou (扶養) is the essential 'adult' word for financial support. While 'yashinau' is for everyday talk, 'fuyou' is what you'll see on tax forms and insurance cards. Example: 'Fuyou kazoku ga iru' means 'I have family dependents.'
- Fuyou is a formal noun/verb meaning 'financial support for dependents,' primarily used for family members who cannot earn their own income.
- It is a key term for Japanese taxes (deductions) and health insurance, where dependents are added to a primary earner's plan.
- Grammatically, you use 'fuyou suru' (to support) or 'fuyou ni hairu' (to become a dependent for tax/insurance purposes).
- Socially, it reflects the legal and ethical duty (fuyou gimu) in Japan for relatives to assist one another financially.
Use 'ni hairu' for status
Always remember the phrase 'fuyou ni hairu'. It's the most natural way to say you are becoming a dependent for insurance or taxes. Don't say 'fuyou ni naru' as often.
The 'Walls' are real
In Japan, people take the 1.03 million and 1.3 million yen limits very seriously. If you work a part-time job, your boss might even remind you not to work too much to stay under 'fuyou'.
Look for the sheep
The kanji 養 has a sheep (羊) on top. Sheep = food/wealth. Nurturing is giving someone the 'sheep' they need to survive.
Duty of support
Remember that 'fuyou gimu' is a real law in Japan. It's why the government sometimes asks relatives to help someone before they grant welfare (seikatsu hogo).
Conteúdo relacionado
Mais palavras de family
還暦
B1Kanreki é a celebração tradicional japonesa do 60º aniversário.
〜くらい
B1Esta palavra significa 'aproximadamente' ou 'ao ponto de'. É usada para expressar uma aproximação ou um grau.
認め合う
B1Reconhecer-se mutuamente; admitir o valor um do outro.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Alguém que você conhece de vista, mas não pessoalmente. Uma pessoa cujo rosto é familiar sem um relacionamento próximo.
甘える
B1Ser mimado, bajular; comportar-se como uma criança mimada confiando na bondade e indulgência de outros, muitas vezes em relacionamentos próximos.
活発な
B1Ativo; vívido; vigoroso. 'Uma criança ativa.' (活発な子供) 'Uma discussão vigorosa.' (活発な議論)
思春期
B1A adolescência; o período de transição da infância para a idade adulta.
養子
B1Um filho adotivo que se torna legalmente parte de uma nova família.
養親
B2Pai ou mãe adotivo(a). Uma pessoa que legalmente se torna pai de uma criança que não é sua filha biológica.