Definitions

shàn to support; to provide for

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "赡" originates from its traditional form "贍", which is structurally composed of the radical "貝" indicating matters of wealth or value and the phonetic component "詹" guiding its pronunciation. Historically, this character conveyed a broad sense of sufficiency and abundance, often used in classical texts to describe ample resources or prosperous conditions. Over time, its semantic scope narrowed significantly to focus specifically on the act of providing material or financial support, particularly within the context of familial duties such as supporting one's parents or dependents. This shift from a general concept of plenty to a more defined notion of sustained provision is reflected in the character's simplified iteration, where the radical "貝" was standardized to "贝" while retaining the phonetic element, thus maintaining both its auditory cue and its enduring association with economic sustenance.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他有能力养父母。

Tā yǒu nénglì shànyǎng fùmǔ.

He has the ability to support his parents.

养老人是子女的义务。

Shànyǎng lǎorén shì zǐnǚ de yìwù.

Supporting the elderly is the duty of children.

法院判决他支付养费。

Fǎyuàn pànjué tā zhīfù shànyǎngfèi.

The court ordered him to pay alimony.

这份工作足以养全家。

Zhè fèn gōngzuò zúyǐ shànyǎng quán jiā.

This job is sufficient to support the whole family.

养着年迈的祖父母。

Tā shànyǎng zhe niánmài de zǔfùmǔ.

He provides for his elderly grandparents.

养协议需要明确规定条款。

Shànyǎng xiéyì xūyào míngquè guīdìng tiáokuǎn.

The support agreement needs to clearly stipulate the terms.

新的法律完善了养的相关规定。

Xīn de fǎlǜ wánshàn le shànyǎng de xiāngguān guīdìng.

The new law has improved the relevant regulations on support.

农村的养问题依然需要社会关注。

Nóngcūn de shànyǎng wèntí yīrán xūyào shèhuì guānzhù.

The issue of elderly support in rural areas still requires social attention.