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道Nihongo Path
養

養·foster, bring up, nourish, support

On-yomi
ヨウ
Kun-yomi
やしな(う)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
栄養えいようnutrition
養うやしなうto support (a family), to cultivate (an ability)
教養きょうようculture, education, refinement
養成ようせいtraining, developing (people)

Example sentences

  1. この野菜は栄養が豊富だ。

    このやさいはえいようがほうふだ。

    This vegetable is rich in nutrients.

  2. 彼は一人で家族を養っている。

    かれはひとりでかぞくをやしなっている。

    He supports his family on his own.

  3. 看護師の養成に力を入れている。

    かんごしのようせいにちからをいれている。

    They are putting effort into training nurses.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Using 養う for raising a child in the everyday sense — that is 育てる; 養う is to provide for, or to cultivate a habit or ability
  • Reading 教養 as きょういく — that is 教育

Memory aid

Picture it

羊 (sheep) above 食 (food): feeding the flock — rearing, nourishing, providing for.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 養 mean?