At the A1 level, you only need to know that '養う' (yashinau) means to 'take care of' or 'support' your family with money and food. It is a word about responsibility. Imagine a father or mother who works hard to buy food for their children. That person is 'yashinau'-ing their family. You can remember it as 'providing for someone.' Usually, at this level, you will see it in simple sentences like 'I support my family' or 'My father supports us.' You don't need to worry about the abstract meanings yet. Just think of it as the 'family support' verb. It is a transitive verb, so you use the particle 'wo' (を). [Person] wo yashinau. It is a very important word because family is a big part of life. Even if you don't use it yourself often, you will hear it in stories or see it in basic reading materials about people's lives. Remember, it's not the same as 'playing' with children or 'teaching' them—it's specifically about the 'giving' part of life like food and money.
At the A2 level, you can start to see how '養う' (yashinau) is different from '育てる' (sodateru). While 'sodateru' is for raising a child or growing a plant, 'yashinau' is more about the financial and material side. You might say '家族を養うために働きます' (I work to support my family). You can also learn the common phrase '英気を養う' (eiki o yashinau), which means to rest and get your energy back. For example, after a long week of school, you might go to a park to 'yashinau' your energy. You might also see it used with pets, like 'supporting' a dog or cat. At this level, you should be able to conjugate the verb into basic forms like 'yashinaimasu' (polite) or 'yashinatte' (te-form). It's a useful word to describe why people work or what they do on their days off to recover. Think of it as 'maintaining' life or energy.
At the B1 level, the word '養う' (yashinau) becomes much more interesting because it starts to be used for abstract things. Beyond just supporting a family, you use it to talk about 'cultivating' internal qualities. This is a key part of intermediate Japanese. You will see phrases like '忍耐力を養う' (cultivating patience) or '実力を養う' (cultivating real ability). This means you are working on yourself to become better. It's not just 'practicing' (renshū); it's a deeper process of growing a quality inside you. You will also encounter the passive form '養われる' (yashinawareru), meaning 'to be supported by.' For example, '親に養われている' (being supported by parents). Understanding the nuance that 'yashinau' implies a long-term, steady effort is important. You don't 'yashinau' something overnight. It takes time and consistency. This level also introduces collocations like '体力を養う' (building physical strength) which is common in sports contexts.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '養う' (yashinau) in professional and formal contexts. It is frequently used in business to describe the development of human resources or professional skills. For example, '判断力を養う' (cultivating judgment) or '国際感覚を養う' (cultivating an international sensibility). You will notice that 'yashinau' is often paired with nouns that represent mental or professional capacities. This level also requires you to distinguish 'yashinau' from 'tsuchikau' (培う). While both mean 'cultivate,' 'yashinau' is more common for personal skills, while 'tsuchikau' often refers to building trust, traditions, or long-term relationships. You might also hear idiomatic expressions like '牙を養う' (kiba o yashinau - to bide one's time/prepare for a chance). Your ability to use 'yashinau' to describe self-improvement and professional growth will make your Japanese sound sophisticated and precise. It's a word that bridges the gap between basic survival and high-level personal development.
At the C1 level, '養う' (yashinau) appears in sophisticated literary and academic contexts. You will see it used to describe the cultivation of highly abstract and refined qualities, such as '審美眼を養う' (cultivating an aesthetic eye) or '批判的思考力を養う' (cultivating critical thinking skills). The word carries a nuance of 'nourishing' the mind or soul. You should be able to appreciate the historical roots of the kanji—providing food (sheep) to sustain life—and how that metaphor applies to intellectual and spiritual growth. At this level, you might also encounter the word in older literature or formal essays where it describes 'nurturing' a dream or a political movement. You should also be aware of the noun form '扶養' (fuyō) and its legal implications in social systems. Using 'yashinau' correctly in a C1 context shows that you understand the deep Japanese value of steady, internal growth and the responsibility of providing for others. It is no longer just a verb; it's a concept of sustainable development, whether for a family, a skill, or a society.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of '養う' (yashinau) and its most subtle nuances. You can use it fluently in philosophical discussions about the nature of growth and support. You understand its role in classical idioms and how it differs from similar verbs like 'hagukumu' (育む) or 'tsuchikau' (培う) in terms of register and emotional weight. You can use it to describe the 'cultivation' of a specific 'ki' (energy) in martial arts or the 'nourishing' of a complex social ecosystem. You might use it in a sentence like '多文化共生の精神を養う' (cultivating the spirit of multicultural coexistence). At this level, you are also aware of rare or archaic uses, such as '病を養う' (yamai o yashinau), meaning to recuperate. Your usage of 'yashinau' is precise, reflecting an understanding that it represents the intersection of material provision and spiritual enrichment. It is a word that encapsulates the Japanese ideal of 'shūgyō' (training/discipline)—the slow, deliberate process of becoming a more complete human being through the nourishment of one's faculties and the fulfillment of one's duties.

養う 30秒了解

  • Yashinau primarily means to support a family or dependents financially and materially.
  • It also means to cultivate or develop abstract qualities like patience, skill, or stamina.
  • The word implies a long-term, steady process of providing or growing from within.
  • Common idioms include 'eiki o yashinau' (recharge energy) and 'shinbigan o yashinau' (cultivate an aesthetic eye).

The Japanese verb 養う (やしなう - yashinau) is a multifaceted term that primarily translates to "to support," "to maintain," or "to cultivate." At its most fundamental level, it refers to the act of providing the necessary means of subsistence—such as food, clothing, and shelter—to others, typically one's family or dependents. However, its usage extends far beyond mere financial support, venturing into the realms of personal development, physical health, and even the nurturing of abstract qualities. Understanding yashinau requires looking at the balance between external provision and internal growth.

Financial Support
This is the most common use in daily life. It describes the responsibility of a breadwinner. For example, '家族を養う' (kazoku o yashinau) means to support your family financially.
Cultivating Abilities
It is used when talking about developing skills, strength, or habits over time. You don't just 'get' a skill; you 'yashinau' it through steady effort. Examples include '実力を養う' (cultivating real ability) or '体力を養う' (building physical stamina).
Nurturing the Mind
In a more literary or psychological context, it refers to fostering an aesthetic sense, patience, or a discerning eye. '審美眼を養う' (cultivating an eye for beauty) is a classic sophisticated expression.

彼は三人の子供を養うために、夜遅くまで働いています。
(He works until late at night to support his three children.)

Historically, the kanji 養 (yō/yashina-u) consists of '羊' (sheep) and '食' (food/eat). In ancient times, providing sheep as food was the ultimate sign of care and nourishment. This historical context colors the word today with a sense of 'providing what is essential for life and growth.' Unlike the word 育てる (sodateru), which focuses on the act of raising or teaching a child, yashinau focuses more on the provision of resources or the internal accumulation of energy and skill.

読書を通じて、豊かな感性を養うことができます。
(Through reading, you can cultivate a rich sensitivity.)

In modern Japanese society, the concept of 家族を養う (supporting a family) is undergoing a shift. While it traditionally referred to the male head of the household, it is now used gender-neutrally for anyone who carries the financial burden of the home. Furthermore, in business contexts, the word is frequently used in the form of '英気を養う' (eiki o yashinau), which means to recover one's spirits or energy, often by taking a break or a vacation. This suggests that yashinau is not just about giving to others, but also about replenishing oneself.

週末は温泉に行って英気を養うつもりです。
(I plan to go to a hot spring this weekend to recover my energy.)

Nuance: Persistence
Yashinau implies a continuous, long-term process. You cannot 'yashinau' something in a single day. It requires the steady application of effort or resources.

良い習慣を養うのは時間がかかる。
(It takes time to cultivate good habits.)

Finally, it is worth noting the passive and causative forms. '養われる' (yashinawareru) means to be supported or maintained by someone else, often used for children or pets. '養わせる' (yashinawaseru) means to make someone support someone else. These variations allow for a complex description of social and family dynamics. Whether it is the physical act of feeding or the spiritual act of growing, yashinau remains a cornerstone verb for describing how we sustain life and character in the Japanese language.

Using 養う (yashinau) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a transitive verb (他動詞). This means it always takes a direct object—the person, thing, or quality that is being supported or cultivated. The basic structure is: [Subject] は [Object] を 養う. Depending on the context, the object can vary from a physical human being to an abstract mental state.

The 'Family Support' Pattern
When the object is a person or family, the verb implies providing the financial and material necessities of life. It is often used in the context of work and responsibility. '一人で家族五人を養っている' (He is supporting a family of five by himself).

給料が安くて、家族を養うのがやっとだ。
(My salary is low, and I can barely manage to support my family.)

The 'Internal Growth' Pattern
When the object is a skill (実力), strength (体力), or sense (センス), the verb describes the process of nurturing that quality through practice and experience. '海外生活で自立心を養った' (I cultivated a spirit of independence through living abroad).

毎日トレーニングをして、体力を養うことが大切です。
(It is important to train every day and build up your physical strength.)

Grammatically, yashinau is a Godan verb. Its conjugations follow the standard pattern: yashinawanai (negative), yashinaimasu (polite), yashinatta (past), and yashinaeba (conditional). Because the word often implies a continuous state or effort, it is very frequently seen in the -te iru form (養っている), which emphasizes the ongoing nature of support or cultivation.

多くの失敗を経験することで、忍耐力が養われました
(Through many failures, my patience was cultivated.)

There is also a specific set of idiomatic collocations. For instance, '牙を養う' (kiba o yashinau), which literally means 'to nurture one's fangs,' is used metaphorically to mean 'to bide one's time and prepare for a chance to strike' or 'to sharpen one's skills in secret.' Similarly, '病を養う' (yamai o yashinau) is an older, more literary way to say 'to recuperate from an illness' or 'to take care of one's health while sick.'

彼はいつか独立するために、密かに実力を養っている
(He is secretly cultivating his abilities so that he can become independent someday.)

The 'Rest' Pattern
Using '英気を養う' (eiki o yashinau) is the standard way to talk about recharging. '休暇を取って、英気を養ってください' (Please take a vacation and recharge your energy).

美術館を巡って、感性を養いたいと思います。
(I want to visit art museums and cultivate my sensitivity.)

Finally, consider the formality. Yashinau is a standard, versatile word. It is formal enough for business reports ('新人の実力を養う' - cultivating the skills of new recruits) but common enough for everyday conversation about family. Its breadth of meaning makes it one of the most useful verbs in the B1 level and beyond.

You will encounter 養う (yashinau) in several distinct environments, from the living room to the boardroom, and even in sports commentary. Its versatility means it appears in various media and registers of speech. Understanding these contexts helps you recognize the specific nuance being used.

In Family Dramas and Literature
In TV dramas (especially 'home dramas'), you will often hear characters discuss the burden or pride of supporting a family. A father might say, '俺がこの家を養っているんだ!' (I'm the one supporting this house!), emphasizing his role as the provider. Conversely, a child might feel the pressure of '親に養われている' (being supported by parents) and desire independence.

彼は大家族を養う大黒柱として尊敬されている。
(He is respected as the mainstay who supports a large family.)

In Sports and Martial Arts (Budo)
Coaches frequently use yashinau when talking about fundamental development. They don't just want players to score; they want them to '集中力を養う' (cultivate concentration) or '基礎体力を養う' (build basic physical strength). In Kendo or Judo, '精神力を養う' (cultivating spiritual/mental strength) is a core objective.

厳しい練習を通じて、強い精神力を養うことができる。
(Through rigorous training, one can cultivate a strong mental spirit.)

In the workplace, yashinau is used in human resource development. Managers talk about '人材を養う' (nurturing talent) or '現場での判断力を養う' (cultivating judgment skills on-site). When a project is over, a boss might tell the team to '英気を養って、次のプロジェクトに備えよう' (Let's recharge our energy and prepare for the next project). This usage makes the word essential for professional Japanese.

海外でのインターンシップは、国際的な感覚を養う良い機会だ。
(An internship abroad is a good opportunity to cultivate an international sensibility.)

In the Arts and Education
Teachers and art critics use the word to describe the development of taste or critical thinking. '審美眼を養う' (cultivating an aesthetic eye) is a phrase you will hear in museums or art classes. In schools, '読解力を養う' (cultivating reading comprehension) is a standard goal in Japanese language classes.

本をたくさん読んで、想像力を養いましょう
(Let's read many books and cultivate our imagination.)

Finally, in the news, you might hear it regarding social welfare or economics. '扶養家族' (fuyō kazoku) is the technical term for 'dependents' in taxes or insurance, directly using the kanji of yashinau. Hearing '養う' in these diverse settings confirms its status as a core verb for describing the maintenance of life and the growth of the self.

While 養う (yashinau) is a versatile verb, learners often confuse it with other 'raising' or 'growing' verbs like sodateru or fueru. Because the English word 'support' or 'raise' can map to several different Japanese words, it is easy to make a choice that sounds unnatural to native speakers.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Sodateru' (育てる)
This is the most common error. 'Sodateru' means to raise a child, a pet, or a plant (the act of nurturing growth). 'Yashinau' means to provide the financial means or to cultivate an internal quality. You 'sodateru' a child (teach them, watch them grow), but you 'yashinau' a child (provide their food and clothes). If you say '花を養う' (yashinau a flower), it sounds like you are giving the flower a salary. Use '花を育てる' instead.

❌ 庭でトマトを養っています
✅ 庭でトマトを育てています
(I am growing tomatoes in the garden.)

Mistake 2: Using it for 'Support' as in 'Help'
In English, you 'support' a friend's decision or 'support' a sports team. In Japanese, 'yashinau' does NOT mean this. For emotional or moral support, use '支持する' (shiji suru) or '応援する' (ōen suru). If you say '友達を養う,' it means you are paying for your friend's entire life!

❌ 私は彼の意見を養います
✅ 私は彼の意見を支持します
(I support his opinion.)

Another subtle mistake involves the nuance of 'cultivating.' For physical objects or crops, saibai suru (栽培する) is used. For 'cultivating' friendships or relationships, kizuku (築く - build) or hagukumu (育む - nurture) are more appropriate. Yashinau is almost exclusively for internal abilities or financial maintenance.

❌ 良い人間関係を養う
✅ 良い人間関係を築く
(To build a good human relationship.)

Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Tsuchikau' (培う)
'Tsuchikau' is very similar to 'yashinau' in the sense of 'cultivating.' However, 'tsuchikau' is more formal and often used for long-term historical or institutional cultivation (e.g., 'cultivating a tradition'). For personal skills like 'stamina' or 'patience,' 'yashinau' is the standard choice. 'Tsuchikau' also cannot be used for supporting a family.

❌ 彼は努力して家族を培った
✅ 彼は努力して家族を養った
(He worked hard and supported his family.)

Finally, avoid using yashinau for 'providing' in a technical sense, like 'providing data' or 'providing service.' For those, use teikyō suru (提供する). Keep yashinau focused on life-sustaining support and the cultivation of the human spirit.

To truly master 養う (yashinau), it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Japanese has several words for 'raising,' 'supporting,' or 'cultivating,' each with its own specific domain.

1. 育てる (Sodateru) vs. 養う (Yashinau)
As mentioned, 'sodateru' is about the act of nurturing growth (children, plants, pets). 'Yashinau' is about providing the means of life (money, food) or developing an internal quality. You 'sodateru' a person's character, but you 'yashinau' their abilities.
2. 培う (Tsuchikau) vs. 養う (Yashinau)
'Tsuchikau' specifically means to cultivate soil, and by extension, to cultivate something over a long period with great care. It is more formal and literary than 'yashinau.' While you can 'yashinau' stamina, you 'tsuchikau' a long-standing tradition or a deep-seated trust.
3. 扶養する (Fuyō suru)
This is the formal, legal version of 'yashinau' in the sense of supporting dependents. You see this in tax forms and legal documents. 'Fuyō-kazoku' means dependents. In casual conversation, you'd use 'yashinau,' but in a contract, you'd use 'fuyō.'

長年培ってきた技術を次世代に伝える。
(Passing on techniques cultivated over many years to the next generation.)

4. 育む (Hagukumu)
A beautiful, poetic word for 'nurturing' or 'fostering.' It is often used for love, dreams, or peace. It implies a very gentle, protective kind of support, like a bird covering its eggs. 'Yashinau' is more practical and robust.
5. 養生する (Yōjō suru)
Using the same first kanji, this verb means 'to take care of one's health' or 'to recuperate.' It is specifically for health recovery. While you can 'yashinau' your 'eiki' (energy), you 'yōjō' your body after surgery.

二人の間で愛を育む
(To nurture love between two people.)

When choosing an alternative, consider the object. If the object is a person's life, stick with 'yashinau.' If it is a person's education, use 'sodateru.' If it is a business relationship, 'tsuchikau' or 'kizuku' is better. This nuanced selection will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

Because sheep were not native to Japan, the kanji '養' (sheep + food) was an imported concept representing the ultimate form of high-quality nourishment and care. It later evolved to include the 'cultivation' of the soul.

发音指南

UK /ja.ɕi.na.u/
US /ja.ʃi.na.u/
The pitch accent is typically 'Heiban' (Flat) in most dialects, meaning the pitch starts low and stays high after the first syllable: ya-SHI-NA-U.
押韵词
商う (akinau - to trade) 賄う (makanau - to provide/cover costs) 伴う (tomonau - to accompany) 担う (ninau - to carry/bear) 叶う (kanau - to come true) 願う (negau - to wish) かなう (kanau - to match) あがなう (aganau - to atone)
常见错误
  • Pronouncing 'shi' as 'si' (a common issue for some language backgrounds).
  • Rounding the final 'u' too much like 'oo' in English.
  • Putting heavy stress on one syllable; Japanese is mora-timed.
  • Confusing the pitch with 'yashina' (nourishment), though they are related.
  • Failing to pronounce all four moras clearly.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

The kanji 養 is common but has many strokes. It is taught in elementary school grade 4.

写作 4/5

Writing 養 correctly requires attention to the sheep and food radicals.

口语 3/5

Pronunciation is easy, but choosing the right context (support vs. cultivate) takes practice.

听力 2/5

It is clearly pronounced and usually easy to distinguish in context.

接下来学什么

前置知识

家族 (kazoku) 食べる (taberu) 育てる (sodateru) 力 (chikara) 休む (yasumu)

接下来学习

培う (tsuchikau) 育む (hagukumu) 鍛える (kitaeru) 扶養 (fuyō) 教養 (kyōyō)

高级

浩然の気 (kōzen no ki) 審美眼 (shinbigan) 英気 (eiki) 滋養強壮 (jiyō kyōsō)

需要掌握的语法

Transitive Verbs (他動詞)

Heiban: Object + を + 養う

Te-iru Form for Continuous States

彼が家族を養っている。

Passive Voice for Dependence

子供は親に養われる。

Causative Form for Responsibility

彼は弟に家族を養わせた。

Noun Modification

実力を養うための時間。

按水平分级的例句

1

父は家族を養っています。

My father supports our family.

Standard 'Subject wa Object wo Verb' structure.

2

私は一人で自分を養います。

I support myself alone.

Reflexive use (supporting oneself).

3

彼は子供を三人を養っています。

He is supporting three children.

Continuous form '-te iru' indicates ongoing support.

4

家族を養うのは大変です。

Supporting a family is hard.

The verb is turned into a noun phrase with 'no wa'.

5

母が私たちを養ってくれました。

My mother supported us (for our benefit).

Using '-te kureru' to show gratitude for the support.

6

誰があなたを養っていますか?

Who is supporting you?

Interrogative sentence.

7

猫を養うのはお金がかかります。

Supporting (keeping) a cat costs money.

Used for pets as well as people.

8

一生懸命働いて、家族を養いたい。

I want to work hard and support my family.

Desiderative form '-tai'.

1

週末はゆっくり休んで、英気を養いましょう。

Let's rest well on the weekend and recharge our energy.

Common idiom 'eiki o yashinau'.

2

スポーツをして、体力を養っています。

I am playing sports to build up my physical strength.

Object 'tairyoku' (stamina).

3

彼は十人の家族を養うために働いた。

He worked in order to support a family of ten.

Using 'tame ni' to show purpose.

4

美味しいものを食べて、英気を養った。

I ate delicious food and recovered my spirits.

Using food as a means to 'yashinau'.

5

将来、家族を養う自信がありますか?

Do you have the confidence to support a family in the future?

Noun modification 'yashinau jishin'.

6

犬を養うのは、子供を育てるのと同じくらい大変だ。

Supporting a dog is as difficult as raising a child.

Comparison between 'yashinau' and 'sodateru'.

7

会社は、新しい社員の実力を養う。

The company cultivates the abilities of new employees.

Object 'jitsuryoku' (real ability).

8

十分な睡眠をとって、英気を養ってください。

Please get enough sleep and recharge.

Polite imperative 'te kudasai'.

1

読書は、豊かな想像力を養うのに役立ちます。

Reading helps in cultivating a rich imagination.

Object 'sōzō-ryoku' (imagination).

2

彼は長年の修行で、強い精神力を養った。

He cultivated a strong mental spirit through years of training.

Object 'seishin-ryoku' (mental strength).

3

この学校では、生徒の自主性を養う教育を行っています。

This school provides education that cultivates students' independence.

Object 'jishusei' (independence/autonomy).

4

海外留学は、異文化への理解を養うチャンスです。

Studying abroad is a chance to cultivate an understanding of different cultures.

Abstract object 'rikai' (understanding).

5

彼は多くの苦労を重ねて、忍耐力を養ってきた。

He has cultivated patience through many hardships.

Object 'nintai-ryoku' (patience).

6

良い習慣を養うことは、人生を豊かにします。

Cultivating good habits enriches one's life.

Object 'shūkan' (habit).

7

彼はいつか独立するために、密かに実力を養っている。

He is secretly cultivating his abilities to become independent one day.

Continuous form used for long-term preparation.

8

自然の中で過ごすことで、感性が養われます。

By spending time in nature, one's sensitivity is cultivated.

Passive form 'yashinawareru'.

1

リーダーには、状況を的確に判断する力を養うことが求められる。

Leaders are required to cultivate the ability to judge situations accurately.

Complex object 'handan suru chikara'.

2

このプロジェクトを通じて、チームワークを養いたいと考えています。

I want to cultivate teamwork through this project.

Object 'teamwork'.

3

彼は病気療養中、静かに体力を養っていた。

While recuperating from illness, he was quietly building up his strength.

Used in the context of recovery.

4

芸術作品に触れることは、審美眼を養う上で非常に重要だ。

Exposure to works of art is extremely important in cultivating an aesthetic eye.

Sophisticated object 'shinbigan'.

5

多角的な視点を養うために、様々な分野の本を読んでいます。

I am reading books in various fields to cultivate a multifaceted perspective.

Abstract object 'takaku-teki na shiten'.

6

彼は将来の起業に向けて、着実に実力を養っている。

He is steadily cultivating his abilities toward starting his own business in the future.

Adverb 'chakujitsu ni' (steadily).

7

失敗を恐れずに挑戦する姿勢が、真の強さを養う。

An attitude of challenging oneself without fear of failure cultivates true strength.

Abstract subject and object.

8

子供たちの批判的思考力を養う教育が急務となっている。

Education to cultivate children's critical thinking skills has become an urgent matter.

Academic object 'hihan-teki shikō-ryoku'.

1

古典文学を読み解くことで、深い洞察力を養うことができる。

By deciphering classical literature, one can cultivate deep insight.

Object 'dōsatsu-ryoku' (insight).

2

彼は名声を求めることなく、ただ黙々と徳を養った。

Without seeking fame, he simply and silently cultivated virtue.

Moral object 'toku' (virtue).

3

この庭園は、見る者の心を癒やし、静寂の中に美意識を養う。

This garden heals the viewer's heart and cultivates an aesthetic sense in the silence.

Poetic usage.

4

グローバル社会において、多様性を尊重する精神を養うことは不可欠だ。

In a global society, cultivating a spirit that respects diversity is essential.

Complex abstract object.

5

彼はかつての屈辱を忘れず、復讐のために牙を養っている。

He has not forgotten his past humiliation and is biding his time for revenge.

Idiomatic use 'kiba o yashinau'.

6

学問の目的は、単なる知識の習得ではなく、真理を探究する態度を養うことにある。

The purpose of learning is not just the acquisition of knowledge, but the cultivation of an attitude to seek the truth.

Philosophical context.

7

厳しい競争社会を生き抜くためには、強靭な精神を養わなければならない。

To survive in a fiercely competitive society, one must cultivate a resilient spirit.

Object 'kyōjin na seishin'.

8

彼は引退後、田舎で晴耕雨読の生活を送りながら、英気を養っている。

After retiring, he is recharging his energy while living a life of farming when it's sunny and reading when it rains in the countryside.

Idiomatic lifestyle context.

1

真の教養とは、多種多様な価値観に触れることで、自己の偏見を排し、公平な判断力を養うことである。

True education consists of eliminating one's prejudices and cultivating impartial judgment by being exposed to diverse values.

High-level definition of 'kyōyō'.

2

政治家には、目先の利益にとらわれず、国家の百年の計を養う先見の明が求められる。

Politicians are required to have the foresight to nurture a hundred-year plan for the nation, without being preoccupied by immediate profits.

Metaphorical use for long-term planning.

3

侘び寂びの精神は、簡素なものの中に美を見出す感性を養うことで理解される。

The spirit of wabi-sabi is understood by cultivating the sensitivity to find beauty in simple things.

Cultural/Philosophical context.

4

彼は世俗の喧騒を離れ、深山幽谷にて己の霊性を養った。

He left the hustle and bustle of the world and cultivated his spirituality in the deep, remote mountains.

Literary/Arcane vocabulary.

5

この試練は、我々の団結力を養い、より強固な組織へと成長させるための糧となるだろう。

This ordeal will serve as nourishment to cultivate our unity and grow us into a stronger organization.

Metaphorical use of 'kate' (nourishment).

6

優れた批評家は、作品の背後にある時代の息吹を感じ取り、それを言語化する能力を養っている。

Excellent critics have cultivated the ability to sense the breath of the times behind a work and verbalize it.

Sophisticated professional context.

7

歴史の教訓を養うことは、同じ過ちを繰り返さないための唯一の道である。

Cultivating the lessons of history is the only way to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Abstract historical application.

8

老子は、無為自然の中に真の生を養う道があると説いた。

Laozi taught that there is a way to nourish true life in 'wu wei' (non-action) and nature.

Philosophical/Translation context.

常见搭配

家族を養う
実力を養う
英気を養う
忍耐力を養う
審美眼を養う
判断力を養う
体力を養う
牙を養う
感性を養う
病を養う

常用短语

養う力

— The ability or power to support others. Often refers to financial independence.

彼には家族を養う力が十分にある。

~を養う場

— A place for cultivating a certain skill or quality.

学校は社会性を養う場でもある。

英気を養う時間

— Time taken to recharge one's energy.

私にとって、趣味は英気を養う時間だ。

実力を養う努力

— Effort made to cultivate one's true abilities.

実力を養う努力を怠ってはいけない。

自立心を養う

— To cultivate a spirit of independence in someone (usually a child).

一人暮らしは自立心を養うのに役立つ。

集中力を養う

— To develop the ability to concentrate.

座禅は集中力を養うのに効果的だ。

想像力を養う

— To nurture one's imagination.

絵本は子供の想像力を養う。

基礎を養う

— To build or cultivate a foundation (in studies or sports).

まずは基礎を養うことが先決だ。

教養を養う

— To cultivate one's education or cultural knowledge.

リベラルアーツは幅広い教養を養う。

観察力を養う

— To develop powers of observation.

スケッチをすることで観察力が養われる。

容易混淆的词

養う vs 育てる (sodateru)

Sodateru is for the act of raising/nurturing (kids, plants). Yashinau is for providing financial support or cultivating inner qualities.

養う vs 培う (tsuchikau)

Tsuchikau is more formal and used for long-term building of trust or institutional traditions.

養う vs 支持する (shiji suru)

Shiji suru means to 'support' an idea or person (agree with them). Yashinau never means agreement.

习语与表达

"英気を養う"

— To recharge one's energy or spirits, usually through rest or recreation.

休暇を取って、英気を養ってください。

Common
"牙を養う"

— To bide one's time and prepare one's strength or skills for a future opportunity or revenge.

彼は虎視眈々と牙を養っている。

Literary/Metaphorical
"病を養う"

— To recuperate from an illness; to focus on recovery.

静かな環境で病を養うことにした。

Formal/Archaic
"実力を養う"

— To build up one's true capability or strength behind the scenes.

今は表に出ず、実力を養うべきだ。

Common
"審美眼を養う"

— To cultivate an eye for beauty or quality; to develop good taste.

本物に触れることで審美眼を養う。

Formal
"鋭気を養う"

— Similar to 'eiki' (英気), but focuses on sharpening one's keen spirit or momentum.

試合前に鋭気を養う。

Formal
"精神を養う"

— To cultivate the mind or spirit, often through discipline.

武道を通じて精神を養う。

Common
"才を養う"

— To nurture one's talent.

彼は若いうちからその才を養ってきた。

Literary
"徳を養う"

— To cultivate virtue or moral character.

日々の行いを通じて徳を養う。

Formal/Philosophical
"浩然の気を養う"

— To cultivate a vast, expansive, and indomitable spirit (from Mencius).

大自然の中で浩然の気を養う。

Literary/Classical

容易混淆

養う vs 賄う (makanau)

Both relate to covering costs/providing.

Makanau is specifically about covering expenses or providing meals (like in a dormitory). Yashinau is about the broader life support of a person.

奨学金で学費を賄う。 (Cover tuition with a scholarship.)

養う vs 育む (hagukumu)

Both mean nurture/cultivate.

Hagukumu is more poetic and protective (like a mother bird). Yashinau is more practical or focused on development.

夢を育む。 (Nurturing a dream.)

養う vs 鍛える (kitaeru)

Both involve making something stronger.

Kitaeru implies hard, repetitive training or 'tempering'. Yashinau implies nourishing and steady growth.

筋肉を鍛える。 (Train muscles.)

養う vs 養育 (yōiku)

Similar kanji and meaning.

Yōiku is a noun specifically for raising and supporting children. Yashinau is a verb for adults, families, and skills.

養育費を払う。 (Pay child support.)

養う vs 扶養 (fuyō)

They share the same concept of support.

Fuyō is the formal/legal noun. Yashinau is the everyday verb.

扶養控除を受ける。 (Receive a dependent deduction.)

句型

A1

[Person] は [Family] を 養う。

私は家族を養う。

A2

[Activity] で 英気を養う。

休みで英気を養う。

B1

[Experience] を通じて [Ability] を養う。

留学を通じて自立心を養う。

B2

[Object] を養うことが求められる。

判断力を養うことが求められる。

C1

[Practice] によって [Virtue/Sense] を養う。

座禅によって精神を養う。

C2

[Philosophical Object] を養う糧とする。

困難を、知恵を養う糧とする。

B1

[Person] に養われている。

まだ親に養われている。

B2

[Object] を養うのに役立つ。

読書は語彙力を養うのに役立つ。

词族

名词

養い (yashinai - nourishment/support)
養育 (yōiku - upbringing)
扶養 (fuyō - support of dependents)
養成 (yōsei - training/cultivation)
養分 (yōbun - nutrients)

动词

養う (yashinau - to support/cultivate)
養成する (yōsei suru - to train/develop)
扶養する (fuyō suru - to support financially)

形容词

養子的 (yōshi-teki - like an adopted child)

相关

養子 (yōshi - adopted child)
養父母 (yōfubo - adoptive parents)
養殖 (yōshoku - aquaculture/farming fish)
養鶏 (yōkei - poultry farming)
養老 (yōrō - taking care of the elderly)

如何使用

frequency

Common in both speech and writing, especially in the context of family and self-improvement.

常见错误
  • Using 'yashinau' for plants. 植物を育てる (Shokubutsu o sodateru).

    Plants grow biologically; you don't provide them with a livelihood or 'cultivate' them as a skill. 'Sodateru' is the correct verb for biological growth.

  • Using 'yashinau' for emotional support of a friend. 友達を支える (Tomodachi o sasaeru).

    'Yashinau' implies providing food and money. If you 'yashinau' a friend, you are their sugar daddy/mommy. Use 'sasaeru' for emotional support.

  • Confusing 'yashinau' with 'renshū suru' (practice). 技術を養う (Gijutsu o yashinau).

    While you 'renshū' (practice) to 'yashinau' (cultivate) a skill, the two are different. 'Practice' is the action; 'cultivate' is the long-term result.

  • Using 'yashinau' to mean 'agree with'. 意見に賛成する (Iken ni sansei suru).

    In English, 'I support your idea' means 'I agree'. In Japanese, 'yashinau' never means agreement. Use 'sansei suru' or 'shiji suru'.

  • Using 'yashinau' for raising height. 背を伸ばす (Se o nobasu).

    'Yashinau' is for internal strength, not physical dimensions like height. Use 'nobasu' for height.

小贴士

Particle Choice

Always use the particle 'を' (wo) with 'yashinau' because it is a transitive verb. You are always supporting *someone* or cultivating *something*.

Internal vs. External

Remember: Yashinau is for 'internal' growth (skills, patience) or 'external' financial support. It is NOT for 'physical' growth you can see (like height or plants).

The 'Eiki' Idiom

'英気を養う' (Eiki o yashinau) is one of the most useful set phrases. Use it when you talk about going on a trip or relaxing after a big project.

Independence

In Japan, a common goal for young adults is 'to be able to yashinau themselves' (jibun o yashinau), meaning to be financially independent.

Kanji Breakdown

The kanji 養 has 15 strokes. Remember the sheep (羊) on top and the food (食) on the bottom. Providing sheep food is supporting life!

Business Context

When writing a resume, use 'yashinau' to describe the skills you developed in previous jobs. It sounds professional and proactive.

Context Clues

If you hear 'kazoku' before it, it means money. If you hear 'chikara' or 'ryoku' before it, it means skills or strength.

Don't Overuse

While versatile, don't use it for every kind of 'growth'. For kids and plants, stick to 'sodateru' to avoid sounding weird.

The 'Ie' Connection

Understand that 'yashinau' is deeply connected to the Japanese sense of duty (giri) toward one's family and household.

Literary Flair

Try using '審美眼を養う' (cultivating an aesthetic eye) when discussing your interest in art or fashion. It sounds very sophisticated.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of a 'Yashica' camera (Yashi-nau). To take a great photo, you need to 'cultivate' your 'eye' for beauty and 'support' your camera with a tripod.

视觉联想

Picture a person handing a bowl of rice (support) to a child, while simultaneously reading a book (cultivating skills).

Word Web

Family Money Food Patience Stamina Skill Recharge Nurture

挑战

Try to use 'yashinau' three times today: once for your family/pet, once for a skill you are learning, and once for your weekend rest plans.

词源

The word 'yashinau' originates from the Old Japanese verb 'yashinau'. The kanji '養' is a phono-semantic compound. The top part '羊' (sheep) provides the meaning of 'sacrifice' or 'goodness' (sheep were valuable livestock), and the bottom part '食' (food/eat) provides the direct meaning of nourishment.

原始含义: The original sense was to feed someone or provide livestock for food to sustain their life.

Japonic family, with the kanji borrowed from Middle Chinese.

文化背景

Be careful using 'yashinau' with adults who are not your family; it might imply they are dependent on you financially, which could be offensive.

In English, we use different verbs: 'support' for family, 'cultivate' for skills, and 'recharge' for energy. Japanese uses 'yashinau' for all three, showing they are seen as related forms of 'nourishment'.

Mencius (Mengzi) - The philosopher who spoke of cultivating 'Kōzen no ki'. Samurai 'Bushido' manuals often mention 'yashinau' regarding spirit. Modern J-Dramas often use 'yashinau' in family conflict scenes.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Family Life

  • 家族を養う
  • 子供を養う
  • 親に養われる
  • 共働きで家族を養う

Self-Improvement

  • 実力を養う
  • 忍耐力を養う
  • 集中力を養う
  • 良い習慣を養う

Health and Rest

  • 英気を養う
  • 体力を養う
  • 病を養う
  • 鋭気を養う

Education and Arts

  • 感性を養う
  • 審美眼を養う
  • 批判的思考力を養う
  • 教養を養う

Business

  • 判断力を養う
  • 人材を養う
  • 国際感覚を養う
  • 交渉力を養う

对话开场白

"将来、家族を養うことについてどう考えていますか? (What are your thoughts on supporting a family in the future?)"

"英気を養うために、週末は何をするのが好きですか? (What do you like to do on weekends to recharge your energy?)"

"最近、新しく養いたいと思っているスキルはありますか? (Is there a new skill you've been wanting to cultivate lately?)"

"忍耐力を養うのに一番いい方法は何だと思いますか? (What do you think is the best way to cultivate patience?)"

"子供の想像力を養うために、親ができることは何でしょうか? (What can parents do to cultivate their children's imagination?)"

日记主题

自分がこれまでの人生で養ってきた一番大切な力は何ですか?その理由も書いてください。 (What is the most important strength you have cultivated in your life so far? Write about why.)

もし一ヶ月の休みがあったら、どのように英気を養いたいですか? (If you had a month off, how would you want to recharge your energy?)

「家族を養う」という責任について、あなたの考えを詳しく述べてください。 (State your thoughts in detail about the responsibility of 'supporting a family'.)

今の仕事や勉強を通じて、どのような「実力」を養っていますか? (What kind of 'real ability' are you cultivating through your current work or studies?)

自分の「審美眼」を養うために、どのような芸術や文化に触れたいですか? (What kind of art or culture do you want to experience to cultivate your 'aesthetic eye'?)

常见问题

10 个问题

No, you should use 'sodateru' (育てる) or 'saibai suru' (栽培する) for plants. Using 'yashinau' for plants sounds like you are giving them a salary or trying to teach them patience.

Traditionally it was associated with the male breadwinner, but today it is used for anyone (mother, eldest son, etc.) who provides the financial support for the household.

'Yasumu' simply means to rest or take a break. 'Eiki o yashinau' implies a more deliberate and high-quality recovery to gain back energy for future work.

It is a standard word. It is not overly formal, but it is much more formal than slang. It is perfectly appropriate for business and polite conversation.

Only if you are paying for their food, rent, and all living expenses. If you just mean you 'support' them emotionally, use 'sasaeru' (支える) or 'ōen suru' (応援する).

It literally means 'to nurture fangs.' It's an idiom for secretly sharpening your skills or waiting for the perfect moment to take action or revenge.

Yes, you can use it to mean you are providing for a pet's life, though 'kau' (飼う - to keep a pet) is more common for the general act of having a pet.

You would say '祖父母に養われました' (Sofu-bo ni yashinawareru), but '祖父母に育てられました' (Sodaterareru) is more common for the upbringing part.

'Tairyoku o tsukeru' is more common in daily speech for 'getting fit.' 'Tairyoku o yashinau' sounds a bit more like a long-term goal or a coach's instruction.

No, for soil or fields, use 'tagayasū' (耕す) or 'tsuchikau' (培う) in a metaphorical sense for the quality of the soil.

自我测试 190 个问题

writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I work to support my family.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Reading books cultivates imagination.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using '英気を養う'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'He is cultivating his skills in secret.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I want to cultivate an aesthetic eye.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'It is important to cultivate patience.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using '親に養われている'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Sports build physical strength.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about 'cultivating a good habit'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I am supporting three children.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Let's cultivate teamwork.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'He is biding his time.' (Use the 'fangs' idiom)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I have the confidence to support my family.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Travel cultivates sensitivity.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'We must cultivate a multifaceted perspective.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'He worked hard and supported ten people.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about 'cultivating judgment'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Independence is cultivated through living alone.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Recharge your energy during the vacation.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Nurture your spirit through martial arts.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

How would you say 'I support my family' in a polite way?

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell a friend you are going on a trip to 'recharge your energy'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain to your teacher that you want to cultivate your patience.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

How do you say 'I am being supported by my parents'?

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe your goal to build up your skills for a future job.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Suggest to a colleague that they should recharge their energy because they look tired.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Ask someone if they have the confidence to support a family.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Mention that you want to develop an eye for art.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say that reading books is good for cultivating imagination.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

State that you are working hard to support your three children.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain that martial arts cultivate mental strength.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say that you want to build up your physical strength for the marathon.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell your boss you want to cultivate your judgment skills.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say that living abroad cultivates an international sense.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Express that cultivating good habits is difficult.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say that you were supported by your grandparents.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Ask someone how they recharge their energy.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say that students should cultivate critical thinking.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

State that your father supports the whole family.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say that you are biding your time for a chance.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '週末は英気を養うためにキャンプに行きます。' What is the purpose of the trip?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '彼は家族を養うために、必死で働いた。' Who is he working for?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'この活動を通じて、忍耐力を養うことができました。' What was cultivated?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '親に養われているうちは、文句は言えない。' What is the condition mentioned?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '将来、実力を養ってから独立したい。' When does the speaker want to become independent?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '美術館で審美眼を養うのが私の趣味です。' What is the speaker's hobby?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '彼は牙を養いながら、その時を待っていた。' What is he waiting for?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '子供の想像力を養うには、絵本が一番だ。' What is best for cultivating imagination?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '体力を養うために、毎日プロテインを飲んでいます。' What is the person doing to build strength?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '彼は病を養うため、静かな場所へ行った。' Why did he go to a quiet place?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '判断力を養うには、多くの失敗が必要です。' What is needed to cultivate judgment?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '彼は一人で大家族を養っている。' Does he support a large or small family?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '自立心を養う教育が注目されている。' What kind of education is getting attention?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '教養を養うために、古典を読んでいます。' What is the speaker reading?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '集中力を養うのは、なかなか難しい。' What is difficult to cultivate?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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