教养

• Pinyin: jiào yǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 教 = to teach, educate; 养 = 羊 (sheep) + 食 — to raise, nurture

Meaning

Upbringing; manners; cultivation. The education and training one receives in proper behavior and values.

As a noun, refers to the result of good upbringing — someone with 教养 has good manners and moral character. As a verb (less common), means to bring up or educate a child. Often used to assess someone's background and character based on their behavior.

Examples

1. 从他待人接物的方式就能看出他很有教养。 You can tell from the way he treats people that he has good upbringing.
2. 父母的教养方式对孩子的性格有深远影响。 Parents' approach to upbringing has a profound impact on children's character.
3. 有教养的人不会在公共场所大声喧哗。 A well-bred person would not make loud noises in public places.

Usage Guide

Context: character, parenting, social

Tone: evaluative

Do Say

• 她是个很有教养的人。(She is a person with good upbringing.)
• 良好的教养是一辈子的财富。(Good upbringing is a lifelong treasure.)

Don't Say

• 用'教养'仅指学历 (Don't use 教养 just for academic education — it emphasizes moral cultivation and manners; use 学历 for educational qualifications)

Origin & History

Composed of 教 (to teach; to educate) + 养 (to raise; to nurture). Together they describe the process and result of moral education and upbringing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal