How to Write 养 (yǎng) — Meaning “To raise; to support; to cultivate”

Imagine you need 'eight' (丷) 'good' (良) things—like food, water, and love—to raise a pet or cultivate a habit. This visual of eight good items helps link the shape to the idea of 'raising' or 'nourishing'.

Pay attention to the proportion: the top 丷 should be narrow and sit above the center, while the bottom 良 is wider and has a clear downward stroke. A common mistake is making the top too wide or confusing the bottom's final stroke (a dot) with a horizontal line.

Unlike 养, 兼 (jiān) has two horizontal lines crossing a vertical stroke (like a 'both' meaning) and 兽 (shòu) has a 'field' (田) on top and a 'dog' radical below (犬). Visually, 养 has a simple 丷 on top, while 兼 and 兽 have more complex structures. In usage, 养 is about raising or supporting, 兼 means 'simultaneously', and 兽 means 'beast'.

养 is common in daily life, such as 养猫 (keep a cat), 养成好习惯 (form good habits), and 营养 (nutrition). In Chinese culture, 养 also implies a long-term commitment and care, reflecting the value of nurturing relationships or personal growth.

Common words containing 养 include: 养猫 (yǎng māo) — To keep a cat; to raise a cat; 养成 (yǎng chéng) — To form (a habit); to cultivate; 营养 (yíng yǎng) — nutrition; nourishment.