拥有 (yōngyǒu) — to possess; to own; to have

拥有 (yōngyǒu)

拥有 describes the possession of something — typically something valuable, significant, or abstract — and carries more weight than simply 有 (to have).

Meanings

1. [verb] To possess, to own, to have (especially something of value or significance).

Example Sentences

这座城市拥有数百年的历史，保存着大量珍贵的文化遗址。 Zhè zuò chéngshì yōngyǒu shù bǎi nián de lìshǐ, bǎocún zhe dàliàng zhēnguì de wénhuà yízhǐ. This city possesses hundreds of years of history and preserves numerous precious cultural sites.

她凭借出色的能力，在三十岁之前就拥有了自己的企业。 Tā píngjiè chūsè de nénglì, zài sānshí suì zhīqián jiù yōngyǒu le zìjǐ de qǐyè. Drawing on her outstanding ability, she owned her own business before the age of thirty.

拥有良好的人际关系，往往比拥有大量财富更能带给人幸福感。 Yōngyǒu liánghǎo de rénjì guānxi, wǎngwǎng bǐ yōngyǒu dàliàng cáifù gèng néng dài gěi rén xìngfúgǎn. Possessing good interpersonal relationships often brings a greater sense of happiness than owning a great deal of wealth.

这家科技公司拥有超过三千项核心技术专利，在行业内具有领先地位。 Zhè jiā kējì gōngsī yōngyǒu chāoguò sān qiān xiàng héxīn jìshù zhuānlì, zài hángyè nèi jùyǒu lǐngxiān dìwèi. This technology company holds over three thousand core technology patents and occupies a leading position in the industry.

Collocations

Usage Notes

拥有 is more emphatic and literary than 有. You would say 我有一本书 (I have a book) casually, but 他拥有丰富的经验 (he possesses rich experience) for more weight. 拥有 is particularly suited to abstract or valuable things: talent, land, wealth, technology. It appears frequently in news writing, formal descriptions, and inspiring speeches.

Memory Hook

拥 means "to embrace/hold close" and 有 means "to have" — holding something close in your arms is the most intimate form of possession.