Definition
颐养 is a formal verb meaning 'to nurture one's health or spirit through a comfortable, restful lifestyle.' It's used in contexts like retirement, convalescence, or enjoying a peaceful old age — often paired with 天年 ('natural lifespan') as 颐养天年 ('to enjoy one's old age in comfort'). It carries a refined, literary tone and is not used for everyday self-care like eating well or exercising.
v.
to nurture (one's health or spirit) through a comfortablerestful lifestyle
Examples
- ,颐养。Tuìxiū hòu, tā zài xiāngxià yí yǎng tiānnián.After retiring, he nurtures his old age in the countryside.
- 颐养。Zhè zhǒng huánjìng hěn shìhé yí yǎng shēnxīn.This kind of environment is very suitable for nurturing body and mind.
- 、,颐养。Lǎorén měitiān sànbù, hē chá, yí yǎng jīngshén.The elderly person walks and drinks tea every day, nurturing their spirit.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.