栄養

• Reading: えいよう
• Romaji: eiyou
• Kanji breakdown: 栄 (ei) — prosperity, flourish; 養 (you) — nourish, raise
• Pronunciation: /eː.joː/

Meaning

Nutrition; nourishment. The essential nutrients obtained from food for health and growth.

A noun used to discuss the nutritional value and health aspects of food. Commonly appears in phrases like 栄養がある (to be nutritious), 栄養バランス (nutritional balance), and 栄養素 (nutrient). Frequently discussed in health education and on food packaging in Japan.

Examples

1. 野菜には栄養がたくさんあります。 Vegetables have lots of nutrition.
2. 栄養のバランスを考えて食事をしています。 I eat with nutritional balance in mind.
3. 子どもの栄養のために牛乳を毎日飲ませています。 I have my child drink milk every day for their nutrition.

Usage Guide

Context: health, food, education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 栄 (prosperity, flourishing) and 養 (to nourish, raise). Together they convey the idea of nourishment that makes the body flourish and grow.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal