Meaning
Foster, nourish, support, raise — often used for providing care, sustenance, and education, both physically and mentally.
- 栄養 — nutrition
- 教養 — education, culture
- 養育 — child-rearing
- 養子 — adopted child
- 休養 — rest, recuperation
- 養う — to support, to raise
This character includes the radical for "food" and phonetic elements suggesting action. Together, it implies providing sustenance — not only through meals, but also through emotional and educational support. It's a core concept in caregiving and family life.
親は 子どもを養います。
Parents raise and support their children.
栄養のある食事をとりましょう。
Let’s have a nutritious meal.
教養のある人になりたいです。
I want to become a well-educated person.
🎧 “ヨウ” is commonly used in compound words like 栄養 and 教養. The kun-yomi “やしなう” is more personal and appears in phrases about family and responsibility.