肥やし
Meanings
1
Refers to organic material used to enrich soil, including animal dung and historically night soil. Used in agricultural and gardening contexts.
I spread cow manure on the field.
Manure is better for the soil than chemical fertilizer.
2
something that helps one grow; nourishment for development
Figurative use: an experience, hardship, or knowledge that serves as 'fertilizer' for personal growth. Often used in the phrase 肥やしになる.
Failures can also become nourishment for life.
Reading is food for the mind.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に肥やしをやるto apply fertilizer/manure to (a field, plant, etc.)
If you fertilize the field, the vegetables grow well.
- 〈事〉が肥やしになる(an experience or hardship) becomes nourishment for one's growth
The hardships of his youth have become the nourishment for who he is today.
- 〈事〉を肥やしにするto turn (an experience) into nourishment for growth
Let's turn this failure into fuel for growth and do better next time.