领养

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 领养 (lǐngyǎng) specifically refers to the legal act of adopting a child or sometimes an animal, but most commonly a child. It implies taking responsibility for raising and caring for someone who is not biologically your own.

Common Contexts

领养 is often used in family and legal contexts, especially when discussing adoption procedures, family planning, or social welfare. It carries a formal tone and is used in both spoken and written Chinese.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 领养孩子 (adopt a child): the most common collocation.
  • 领养孤儿 (adopt an orphan): emphasizes the child's background.
  • 领养手续 (adoption procedures): refers to the legal process.

Usage Notes

领养 always involves a formal or legal process, distinguishing it from informal care or fostering. It is different from 抚养 (fǔyǎng), which means to raise or bring up a child but does not imply legal adoption. When using 领养, speakers imply a permanent, legal commitment.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 领养 with 收养 (shōuyǎng), which can also mean to adopt but is less formal and sometimes used for animals or informal fostering. 领养 is preferred in official or legal contexts.

Example Sentences

They decided to adopt an orphan and give him a warm home.

Adopting a child requires going through strict legal procedures.

Many couples choose adoption to fulfill their family dreams.