The verb 供养 (gōngyǎng) means to provide for or support someone, often in a financial or material sense. It is commonly used in contexts where one person is supporting another, such as parents supporting children or individuals providing for elderly family members. The term has a connotation of responsibility and care in the relationship.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
gōngyǎng(gong4yang3) T4
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May 27, 2026
供养gōngyǎng(gong4yang3)
The verb 供养 (gōngyǎng) means to provide for or support someone, often in a financial or material sense. It is commonly used in contexts where one person is supporting another, such as parents supporting children or individuals providing for elderly family members. The term has a connotation of responsibility and care in the relationship.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 供养 is deeply rooted in filial piety (孝, xiào), where children are expected to support their parents, reflecting a long-standing tradition of family loyalty and care for the elderly.
Memory Tip
Picture a person holding a large bowl (供) filled with food, symbolizing the act of providing sustenance. Imagine that this bowl is being offered (养) to a loved one, emphasizing the nurturing aspect of the word, which sounds like 'gong-yang'—as if you’re saying, 'Go and provide!'.
About 供养
供养Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 供养
Podcast: 供养
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AI Study Notes for 供养
Quick Contrast
供给 (gōngjǐ) refers to supplying or providing something, often in a more general or commercial sense, while 供养 (gōngyǎng) specifically emphasizes the responsibility of supporting someone in a personal context.
Memory Mnemonic
Picture a person holding a large bowl (供) filled with food, symbolizing the act of providing sustenance. Imagine that this bowl is being offered (养) to a loved one, emphasizing the nurturing aspect of the word, which sounds like 'gong-yang'—as if you’re saying, 'Go and provide!'.
Usage Notes
Learners may confuse 供养 with similar terms like 养活 (yǎnghuó), which more specifically means to keep someone alive. This term is more formal and is often used in contexts involving duty or obligation. Be mindful of using it appropriately in both formal and informal conversations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 7 word, students should focus on its application in complex sentences and discussions about family and societal responsibilities. Connecting it to basic family vocabulary and financial terms they already know will enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 供养 is deeply rooted in filial piety (孝, xiào), where children are expected to support their parents, reflecting a long-standing tradition of family loyalty and care for the elderly.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 供养 interchangeably with 养 (yǎng), which simply means to raise or nurture without the implication of financial support. For example, saying '我养我的父母' (wǒ yǎng wǒ de fùmǔ) is incorrect; it should be '我供养我的父母' (wǒ gōngyǎng wǒ de fùmǔ).
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 供养
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Cultural Notes for 供养
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 供养 is deeply rooted in filial piety (孝, xiào), where children are expected to support their parents, reflecting a long-standing tradition of family loyalty and care for the elderly.
Frequently Asked Questions about 供养
It is commonly used to describe the support of family members, especially in discussions about parents and children or when talking about financial responsibilities.
Yes, while it often refers to familial support, it can also apply to supporting friends or dependents in a broader sense.
It is generally more formal, often used in written language or serious discussions about responsibility.
