Japanese word

助手

Pronunciation

Romajijoshu

Meaning

  • nounassistant

Example

彼は医者の助手です。kare wa i sha no jo shu de su

He is the doctor's assistant.

Illustration for 助手 (assistant)

More examples

その研究室では経験豊富な助手が必要です。so no ken kyū shitsu de wa kei ken hō fu na jo shu ga hitsu yō de su

That laboratory needs an experienced assistant.

Core concept

Presents the idea of a supporting worker who shares practical duties with the person in charge.

Common phrases

  • 教授の助手kyō ju no jo shu

    professor's assistant

  • 助手として働くjo shu to shi te hatara ku

    work as an assistant

Similar words

補佐役hosayaku: A person who supports a leader or specialist in carrying out duties.
手伝いtetsudai: A person who helps with practical tasks without being primarily responsible for them.

Definition in Japanese

主となる人の仕事を支えるため、必要な作業を受け持つ人。nushi to na ru hito no shi goto o sasa e ru ta me hitsu yō na sa gyō o u ke mo tsu hito

Word origin

In the Sino-Japanese word 助手 (joshu), 助 (jo, "help") is joined with 手 (shu, "hand"), linking the word to the idea of an assisting hand.

Usage tips

  • The English phrase assistant professor does not mean a professor's personal helper but a recognized academic rank, showing that assistant can mark a supporting position in a larger system.

Other meanings

  • helpernoun

Word lists with this word