Translation and Meaning of: 扶養 - fuyou

Explanation and Etymology - (扶養) fuyou

扶養 (fuyou) is a Japanese word composed of two kanji: 扶, meaning "support" or "help", and 養, meaning "create" or "nurture". Together they form the term which can be translated as "sustenance" or "maintenance". In Japan, the word 扶養 is often used to refer to the social security system that provides for dependents, such as underage children, unemployed spouses, or elderly people who do not have their own income. In this context, the term is used to indicate a person's legal obligation to provide for their dependents. Furthermore, the word 扶養 can also be used in a more general context to refer to the act of caring for and sustaining someone or something. For example, it can be used to refer to the sustenance of pets or plants. The complete etymology of the word 扶養 dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when the term was used to refer to the act of supporting or sustaining a person or family. Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include the idea of financial support, and it became a common term in Japan's legal and social vocabulary.