養う

• Reading: やしなう
• Romaji: yashinau
• Kanji breakdown: 養 (yashina/yō) — to nurture, support, cultivate
• Pronunciation: /ja.ɕi.na.ɯ/

Meaning

To support; to maintain; to provide for. Used for financially supporting dependants or cultivating abilities.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb. Has two main uses: (1) to financially support a family or dependants, and (2) to cultivate or develop skills, knowledge, or strength over time. Both meanings share the core sense of nurturing and sustaining growth.

Examples

1. 三人の子供を養うのは大変だ。 It's tough to support three kids.
2. 読書で想像力を養うことができる。 You can cultivate your imagination through reading.
3. 体力を養うために毎朝ジョギングをしている。 I go jogging every morning to build up my physical strength.

Usage Guide

Context: family, self-improvement, education

Tone: responsible

Origin & History

The kanji 養 combines 羊 (sheep) and 食 (food), evoking the image of feeding and raising livestock — extended to nurturing and supporting people.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal