修养

• Pinyin: xiū yǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 修 = 亻 (person) + 攸 (refine), to cultivate; 养 = 羊 (sheep) + 食 (food), to nurture

Meaning

Cultivation; accomplishment; self-discipline. One's refined character developed through education and practice.

Refers to a person's moral character, education, and refined behavior developed over time. Having good 修养 means being cultured, well-mannered, and emotionally composed. Can also refer to recuperation (修养身体). A key concept in traditional Chinese culture emphasizing self-improvement.

Examples

1. 她是个很有修养的人，从不和别人争吵。 She is a very cultured person who never argues with others.
2. 读书可以提高一个人的文化修养。 Reading can improve a person's cultural accomplishment.
3. 他的艺术修养很高，对音乐有独到的见解。 He has high artistic cultivation and unique insights into music.

Usage Guide

Context: character, education, culture

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 这个人很有修养。(This person is very cultured.)
• 我们要注重个人修养。(We should pay attention to personal cultivation.)

Don't Say

• 你没有修养 as a casual insult (This is a very strong criticism implying someone is uncultured and ill-mannered)

Origin & History

Compound of 修 (cultivate, refine) and 养 (nurture), meaning to cultivate and nurture oneself.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal