noun
Literal meaning: food or supplies needed for survival, often used in contexts like travel, expeditions, or emergencies.
登山の前に十分な糧を用意した。
We prepared enough provisions before the mountain climb.
彼らは旅の糧として干し肉を持っていった。
They took dried meat as food for the journey.
noun
nourishment; sustenance; source of encouragement
Only with reading かて
Figurative use: something that feeds the mind, spirit, or life, such as experiences, knowledge, or emotional support. Restricted to reading かて.
読書は心の糧になる。
Reading is nourishment for the mind.
友人の言葉が生きる糧となった。
My friend's words became a source of encouragement to live.
Variant kanji form; less common than 糧.
The kanji 糧 combines 米 (rice) and 量 (measure), suggesting measured grain or food. The reading かて is a native Japanese word (kun'yomi). The variant 粮 is a simplified form. The figurative sense developed from the idea of food as essential sustenance.