Translation guide
The concept of nourishment in English covers both physical sustenance (food, nutrients) and metaphorical support (emotional, intellectual). In Japanese, the most common and natural ways to express this depend heavily on context. Direct translations like 栄養 (eiyou) are common for physical nourishment, but for metaphorical uses, different words or phrases are often more natural.
Referring to the substances that keep a living thing alive and healthy, or the process of providing them.
The most common and general word for 'nutrition' or 'nourishment' in a physical sense. Used for both human and animal/plant contexts.
この食べ物は栄養が豊富だ。
This food is rich in nourishment.
病人には十分な栄養が必要です。
A sick person needs adequate nourishment.
A slightly more formal or traditional word for nourishment, often implying something that builds up the body. Common in set phrases like 滋養強壮 (nourishing and strengthening).
滋養のある食事をとりましょう。
Let's eat nourishing meals.
Often used for plants or in a scientific context, meaning 'nutrient' or 'nourishment' absorbed from soil or food.
植物は根から養分を吸収する。
Plants absorb nourishment through their roots.
A common verb phrase meaning 'to take nourishment' or 'to get nutrition'. More natural than a literal translation of 'nourish oneself'.
しっかり栄養を取ってください。
Please make sure you get enough nourishment.
Something that feeds the mind, spirit, or emotions, providing support or enrichment.
Literally 'food' or 'provisions', but very commonly used metaphorically for emotional or intellectual sustenance. Often appears as 心の糧 (nourishment for the heart/mind).
読書は心の糧だ。
Reading is nourishment for the mind.
彼女の言葉が私の心の糧になった。
Her words became nourishment for my soul.
A more direct translation: 'spiritual/mental nourishment'. Understandable but slightly less idiomatic than 糧.
芸術は精神的な栄養になる。
Art provides spiritual nourishment.
Instead of 'nourishment', Japanese often uses the concept of 'support' (支え) for emotional sustenance. This is very natural.
家族の存在が心の支えになっている。
My family's presence is emotional nourishment for me.
The process of giving food or care to maintain life and growth.
Literally 'nutrition supply/replenishment'. Used for the act of providing nourishment, especially in medical, sports, or survival contexts.
点滴で栄養補給を行う。
Provide nourishment through an IV drip.
A verb meaning 'to nourish', 'to foster', or 'to support'. Can be used for both physical and metaphorical nourishment.
Means 'to nurture' or 'to foster'. Often used for raising children or cultivating feelings, but can imply providing nourishment in a caring sense.
While 栄養 can sometimes be used metaphorically (精神的栄養), it is often more natural to use 糧 or rephrase with concepts like 支え (support) or 励み (encouragement). Directly translating 'nourishment' as 栄養 in emotional contexts may sound awkward.
栄養 is the general term for nutrition. 滋養 is more traditional and often implies building strength, common in health food contexts. 養分 is used for plants or scientific nutrient analysis.
親は子供を養う義務がある。
Parents have a duty to nourish their children.
読書は心を養う。
Reading nourishes the mind.
Love nourishes a child's heart.