疗养

• Pinyin: liáo yǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 疗 = 疒 (illness) + 了 (completion, phonetic) — treating illness; 养 = 羊 (sheep) + 食 (food) — nourishing

Meaning

To convalesce; to recuperate. To rest and receive treatment in order to recover one's health.

Refers to resting and recovering health, typically at a sanatorium, resort, or hospital after illness or injury. Often used with 疗养院 (sanatorium/convalescent home). The emphasis is on gradual recovery through rest and care rather than active medical treatment.

Examples

1. 医生建议他去海边疗养一段时间。 The doctor recommended that he go to the seaside to recuperate for a while.
2. 这个疗养院的环境非常安静舒适。 The environment of this sanatorium is very quiet and comfortable.
3. 手术以后，她需要在家疗养几个月。 After the surgery, she needs to convalesce at home for a few months.

Usage Guide

Context: healthcare, recovery

Tone: caring

Do Say

• 他退休后去了一家疗养院休息。(After retiring, he went to a sanatorium to rest.)
• 医生说她需要好好疗养身体。(The doctor said she needs to recuperate properly.)

Don't Say

• 我感冒了，需要疗养 — 疗养 is for serious or prolonged recovery, not minor illnesses like a cold (use 休息 instead)

Origin & History

疗 means 'to treat or cure' and 养 means 'to nourish or raise.' Together they convey the idea of healing through nourishment and rest.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal