扶養

ふよう

support, maintenance

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"扶養" (ふよう) refers to the act of supporting or maintaining someone financially, typically family members such as children or elderly parents. It is often used in legal, financial, and tax contexts.

Common Contexts

You will frequently encounter "扶養" in discussions about family responsibilities, social welfare, and tax deductions related to dependents. For example, "扶養控除" (dependent deduction) is a common tax term.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 扶養する: to support or maintain someone financially.
  • 扶養控除: tax deduction for dependents.
  • 扶養家族: family members who are dependents.

Register and Nuance

"扶養" is a formal term often used in official documents, legal language, and formal conversations. It is less common in casual speech, where simpler words like "面倒を見る" (take care of) might be used.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "扶養" with general care or emotional support. Remember, "扶養" specifically implies financial support or maintenance, not just physical or emotional care.

Example Sentences

かれはりょうしんをふようしている。

He supports his parents financially.

ふようこうじょをしんせいするためには、いっていのじょうけんをみたすひつようがあります。

To apply for the dependent deduction, you need to meet certain conditions.

こどもをふようするために、かのじょはぱーとたいむではたらいている。

She works part-time to support her children.