Japanese word

養う

Pronunciation

Romajiyashinau

Meaning

  • verbprovide for

Example

家族を養います。ka zoku o yashina i ma su

I provide for my family.

Illustration for 養う (provide for)

More examples

親を養うために、安定した仕事を選びました。oya o yashina u ta me ni an tei shi ta shi goto o era bi ma shi ta

I chose a stable job to provide for my parents.

Core concept

It describes sustaining a person or living thing by consistently supplying the conditions needed for life and growth.

Common phrases

  • 家族を養うka zoku o yashina u

    provide for one's family

  • 妻子を養うsai shi o yashina u

    provide for one's wife and children

  • 一家を養うik ka o yashina u

    support a household

Similar words

扶養するfuyōsuru: To maintain a dependent person by paying for essential living expenses.
支えるsasaeru: To give someone the material or practical support needed to maintain a stable life.
世話するsewasuru: To provide ongoing care and practical help for a person or living thing.

Definition in Japanese

人が生活を続けられるよう、必要なものを与えて支えること。hito ga sei katsu o tsuzu ke ra re ru yō hitsu yō na mo no o ata e te sasa e ru ko to

Word origin

The Japanese verb 養う (yashinau) belongs to the native vocabulary and is represented by 養 (yō, "to nourish"); its exact spoken formation has no reliable simple word-by-word explanation.

Usage tips

  • The responsibility expressed by 養う (yashinau) usually implies continued support, which distinguishes it from a one-time gift.

Other meanings

  • nourishverb
  • cultivateverb

Opposites

  • 自活jikatsuself-supportnoun

Related words

  • 養いyashinaisupportnoun
  • 養い手yashinaiteprovidernoun

Word lists with this word