養う

やしなう
Alternative writings: 養なう
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

To provide for or financially support someone (e.g., a family); to maintain someone’s living expenses.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

父は一家を養うために毎日働いている。

My father works every day to support the family.

奨学金だけでは学費を養うのは難しい。

It’s difficult to cover tuition with scholarships alone.

彼女はアルバイトで自分の生活を養っている。

She supports herself with part‑time work.

2

To bring up, raise, or rear (children, animals); to feed and care for someone/something as they grow.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

両親は子どもを厳しくも愛情を持って養った。

Her parents raised her strictly but with love.

最後までペットを養う責任がある。

You have the responsibility to care for a pet until the end.

祖父母が幼い孫を養ってくれた。

The grandparents raised (looked after) their young grandchild.

3

To adopt (a child); to take a child into one’s care (as an adopted/ foster child).

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

彼らは里子を養うことに決めた。

They decided to take in a foster child.

特別養子縁組で子どもを養う家庭が増えている。

More families are adopting children through special adoption arrangements.

4

To cultivate, develop, or foster (a habit, quality, skill, etc.); to build up over time.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

読書の習慣を養うために毎晩30分読むことにした。

I decided to read 30 minutes every night to cultivate a reading habit.

忍耐力を養うために毎日練習を続けている。

He keeps practicing every day to build up his patience.

5

To recuperate or restore health; to nourish and recuperate the body (similar to 'to recuperate').

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

手術後は十分に休んで体を養ってください。

After the surgery, rest well and recuperate your body.

冬は栄養を取って体を養うことが大切だ。

In winter it's important to take in nourishment and keep your body strong.

Word Relationships

Masu-Form養います
Nai-Form養わない
Ta-Form養った
Te-Form養って
Ba-Form養えば
Volitional Form養おう
Imperative Form養え
Potential Form養える
Passive Form養われる
Causative Form養わせる
Causative Passive Form養わせられる