供养 gōngyǎng to supply
to supply; to provide for one's elders; to support one's parents
How to remember 供养: 供 to supply + 养 to raise = to supply.
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How it is used
- To provide for / support (elders, family) - 他一个人供养全家 (tā yí ge rén gōngyǎng quánjiā) he supports the whole family alone.
- Providing material support, especially to parents/elders. (Read gòngyǎng when it means making religious offerings.)
- Contrast 抚养 (fǔyǎng, raise/bring up children); 供养 leans toward supporting elders or dependents financially.