Understanding "养殖" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 养殖
• Pinyin: yǎng zhí
• Literal Meaning: "养" (yǎng) means "to raise" or "to nurture," and "殖" (zhí) means "to breed" or "to multiply." Together, they literally mean "to raise and breed."
• Primary Meaning: The term refers to the cultivation or breeding of animals, plants, or aquatic organisms for commercial or subsistence purposes, similar to "farming" or "aquaculture" in English.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "养殖" is commonly used in agricultural, aquacultural, and husbandry contexts. It can refer to raising livestock (e.g., cows, pigs), cultivating fish or shellfish, or even growing certain plants like mushrooms.
• Unlike general terms like "farming," "养殖" specifically emphasizes the controlled breeding and nurturing process.

• It is often paired with the type of organism being cultivated, e.g., "水产养殖" (shuǐchǎn yǎngzhí, "aquaculture") or "家禽养殖" (jiāqín yǎngzhí, "poultry farming").

• Character Breakdown:

• 养 (yǎng): Means "to raise," "to nurture," or "to support." It appears in words like "养育" (yǎngyù, "to bring up children") or "养鱼" (yǎng yú, "to raise fish").
• 殖 (zhí): Means "to breed," "to multiply," or "to propagate." It is also used in terms like "繁殖" (fánzhí, "reproduction") or "殖民" (zhímín, "colonization").

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 这个农场主要养殖奶牛和鸡。
   Pinyin: Zhège nóngchǎng zhǔyào yǎngzhí nǎiniú hé jī.
   English: This farm mainly raises dairy cows and chickens.

2. Chinese: 水产养殖是沿海地区的重要产业。
   Pinyin: Shuǐchǎn yǎngzhí shì yánhǎi dìqū de zhòngyào chǎnyè.
   English: Aquaculture is an important industry in coastal areas.

3. Chinese: 他们用科学方法养殖蘑菇，产量很高。
   Pinyin: Tāmen yòng kēxué fāngfǎ yǎngzhí mógu, chǎnliàng hěn gāo.
   English: They cultivate mushrooms using scientific methods, achieving high yields.

Cultural Notes

• China has a long history of aquaculture and animal husbandry, dating back thousands of years. For example, carp farming began during the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BCE).
• Modern "养殖" practices are a mix of traditional methods and advanced technology, making China a global leader in aquaculture production.
• The term reflects the importance of self-sufficiency and sustainable food production in Chinese culture.

Conclusion

"养殖" (yǎng zhí) is a practical term referring to the breeding and raising of animals, plants, or aquatic life. By breaking down its characters and seeing it in context, learners can better understand its usage in agriculture and beyond. Remember: "养" means "to raise," and "殖" means "to breed"—together, they form a word central to China's farming and food industries.