Usage of 养 (yǎng)
The character 养 primarily means "to raise" or "to rear" living things such as plants, animals, or children. It is commonly used when talking about nurturing or caring for something or someone over time.
Common contexts
- Raising animals or pets: 养狗 (to raise a dog), 养猫 (to raise a cat).
- Cultivating plants: 养花 (to grow flowers).
- Parenting: 养育孩子 (to raise children).
Collocations and patterns
- 养 + 宠物 (pets): emphasizes care and keeping animals.
- 养 + 孩子/儿女: refers to parenting and upbringing.
- 养 + 习惯/兴趣: can also mean to cultivate habits or interests.
Nuances
When using 养 for people, it often implies long-term care and responsibility, such as parents raising children or adults supporting elderly family members. For animals and plants, it focuses on nurturing and maintenance.
Common confusion
Don't confuse 养 with 喂 (wèi), which means "to feed." 养 is broader, including feeding but also encompassing overall care and raising.
Use 养 when emphasizing the process of nurturing or bringing up, not just the act of feeding.