The combination of 赡 (providing resources) and 养 (nurturing) creates the specific meaning of providing holistic support—both financial and emotional—to one's elders.
`赡养` is a cornerstone of Chinese family structure, directly stemming from the Confucian concept of 孝 (xiào), or filial piety. In traditional Chinese thought, the family, not the state, is the primary source of social security. Children have a sacred duty to care for their parents in their old age, just as their parents cared for them. Comparison with Western Culture: While Western cultures value caring for elderly parents, the concept is often framed as a choice driven by love or personal ethics. There's a stronger emphasis on individual independence, with seniors often relying on pensions, social security, and retirement homes. In contrast, `赡养` in Chinese culture is a fundamental, non-negotiable obligation (义务, yìwù). In fact, in the People's Republic of China, it is enshrined in law. Elderly parents can legally sue their adult children for failing to provide `赡养`. This legal backing highlights how central the concept is to social stability. This cultural difference often leads to immense social pressure on young Chinese adults, especially in the context of the “4-2-1” family structure (one child supporting two parents and four grandparents), a demographic challenge resulting from the former one-child policy.
`赡养` is a formal and serious term, used in conversations about family responsibilities, legal matters, and social issues.
The connotation is generally neutral and factual, but discussing the *failure* to `赡养` is highly negative and implies a severe moral failing.