供养 (gōng yǎng) is a formal or literary verb meaning 'to support financially' or 'to raise and care for', especially in contexts involving responsibility toward dependents—such as children, elderly parents, or animals. The first character 供 (gōng) means 'to offer' or 'to provide', often with connotations of reverence or duty; the second character 养 (yǎng) means 'to raise', 'to nurture', or 'to maintain'. Together, they emphasize sustained, dutiful provision—not just material support, but also care and upkeep.

This word appears frequently in legal, social, or ethical discussions (e.g., filial duty), religious texts (e.g., monks供养 Buddha), and animal welfare contexts (e.g., caring for pets or livestock). It carries a tone of moral obligation or long-term commitment, distinguishing it from more neutral terms like 支持 (to support) or 照顾 (to take care of). It is rarely used in casual daily speech among peers, and almost never for self-support.