療養

• Reading: りょうよう
• Romaji: ryouyou
• Kanji breakdown: 療 (ryou) — medical treatment, cure; 養 (you) — nurture, recuperate
• Pronunciation: /ɾjoː.joː/

Meaning

Convalescence; recuperation; rest cure. A period of medical rest and care aimed at recovering from illness, surgery, or injury.

A noun and suru-verb (療養する) with nuance of extended, deliberate recovery rather than a brief rest. 療養中 (during recuperation) and 療養生活 (convalescent life) are common collocations. 転地療養 (change-of-scenery recuperation) refers to the practice of recovering in a different climate or location. 療養病床 (convalescent hospital bed) is a specific medical facility category in the Japanese healthcare system.

Examples

1. 術後の療養中は無理をせず、医師の指示通りに安静にしていた。 During his post-surgical convalescence, he took it easy and followed the doctor's orders to rest.
2. 転地療養のため、医師の勧めで海の近くの施設に数ヶ月滞在した。 On the doctor's recommendation, he stayed at a seaside facility for several months for a change-of-scenery recuperation.
3. 長期療養を必要とする患者のために、専門の療養病棟が整備されている。 Specialized convalescent wards have been established for patients requiring long-term recovery care.

Usage Guide

Context: medicine, recovery, convalescence, healthcare, hospital

Tone: neutral, formal

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 療 (ryou) means medical treatment or cure, and 養 (you) means to nurture, nourish, or care for. Together they describe the process of nursing oneself back to health. Distinct from 養生, which emphasises preventive and self-directed care.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Universal