Translation and Meaning of: 養う - yashinau

The Japanese word 「養う」 (yashinau) has a rich etymology and a significant cultural implication in the Japanese context. Originating from the verb that represents the concept of sustaining or fostering, 「養」 (yashi) can be translated as "nurturing," "supporting," or "sustaining." The root of the Kanji is linked to the idea of creating or cultivating, implying a careful and gradual process. It is an expression that touches on aspects of interpersonal care, very much aligned with the Japanese culture of attentiveness and support within family and community relationships.

"「養う」 (yashinau) is often used in family and social contexts, suggesting the act of financially or emotionally supporting the people around. We can find this word being used in sentences related to providing financial support for the family, or even essential emotional and psychological support day by day. This expression is also used in business contexts to describe the development or cultivation of talents within a team or organization."

In the composition of the Kanji, we observe the use of the key 「羊」 (hitsuji), which means "sheep," symbolizing elements of care and herding. Historically, this reflects agricultural and livestock practices, where "nurturing" or "feeding" materializes in providing essential needs in a methodical and careful manner. In addition, the other part of the Kanji, 「食」 (shoku), represents nourishment or food, reinforcing the direct link between providing sustenance and nurturing, both physically and spiritually.

In contemporary language, the verb「養う」(yashinau) remains relevant and is extensively applied in discussions about social responsibility, personal development, and community sustainability. From everyday actions to strategic business plans, this word conveys the importance of deliberate and thoughtful efforts to cultivate a healthy and sustained environment, whether on a personal or collective level.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 養う

• 養い - Forma infinitiva
• 養って - Shape て
• 養った - Past form 養う
• 養おう - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 育てる (sodateru) - To create; to educate (usually referring to the growth of children or plants).
• 飼う (kau) - Create; feed (usually referring to pets).
• 飼育する (shiiku suru) - Create; care (focuses on raising animals with a specific purpose, such as agriculture).
• 養育する (youiku suru) - Nurture; educate (focuses on the aspect of caring for and developing children).
• 養成する (yousei suru) - To train; to educate (focuses on developing skills or abilities in people).
• 養蜂する (youhou suru) - Beekeeping; raising bees.
• 養殖する (youshoku suru) - Cultivation; aquaculture (refers to the breeding of aquatic organisms, such as fish).
• 養鶏する (youkei suru) - Raise birds; poultry farming (focuses on the raising of chickens for eggs or meat).
• 養豚する (youbun suru) - Creating pigs; swine production.
• 養子縁組する (youshi engumi suru) - Adoption; becoming an adoptive father/mother.
• 養老院に入る (yourouin ni hairu) - Entering a nursing home; institutionalization for elder care.

養う

Romaji: yashinau
Kana: やしなう
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: para trás; manter; cultivar

Meaning in English: to rear;to maintain;to cultivate

Definition: To help others or things to keep them running.

Example Sentences - (養う) yashinau

See below some example sentences:

私たちは自然を養うことが大切だと信じています。

Watashitachi wa shizen o yashinau koto ga taisetsu da to shinjite imasu

We believe that it is important to cultivate nature.

We believe that it is important to develop nature.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 自然を - "Nature" in Japanese, direct object of the sentence.
• 養う - "Cultivar" or "nurture" in Japanese, a verb that indicates the action to be taken.
• ことが - Japanese particle that indicates that "cultivating nature" is the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - "Important" or "valuable" in Japanese, an adjective that qualifies the action of cultivating nature.
• と - Japanese particle that indicates that the sentence continues
• 信じています - "Acreditamos" in Japanese, a verb that indicates the belief or opinion of the speakers.