verb / noun HSK 4
Traditional 保養
to maintain · to take care of · maintenance · to keep in good repair
Meaning
保养 means to maintain or preserve something in good condition through regular care and attention. It applies to physical objects like cars and machinery, as well as to one's body, skin, or health. The word combines 保 (to protect/preserve) and 养 (to nourish/raise), suggesting ongoing care that prevents deterioration.
Usage
Commonly used for vehicle maintenance (汽车保养), skincare routines (皮肤保养), and health preservation (身体保养). In spoken Chinese, it often appears in contexts about routine care rather than emergency repairs. Native speakers frequently use it when discussing regular upkeep schedules.
Examples
- 01我的车需要定期保养，每五千公里做一次。, .My car needs regular maintenance, once every five thousand kilometers.
- 02她很注重皮肤保养，每天都用护肤品。, .She pays great attention to skincare and uses skincare products every day.
Characters
Measure words
- 次做一次保养
Common collocations
- 保养得好well-maintained
- 定期保养regular maintenance
- 汽车保养car maintenance
- 皮肤保养skincare
Antonyms
Origin
The combination literally means 'protect-nourish,' emphasizing the dual nature of maintenance: protecting from harm while actively nurturing good condition.