Japanese word

応援

Pronunciation

Romajiōen

Meaning

  • nounsupport

Example

友達が応援してくれます。tomo dachi ga ō en shi te ku re ma su

My friends support me.

Illustration for 応援 (support)

More examples

家族がいつも応援してくれます。ka zoku ga i tsu mo ō en shi te ku re ma su

My family always supports me.

試合の前に、みんなで応援の練習をします。shi ai no mae ni mi n na de ō en no ren shū o shi ma su

Before the game, we practice cheering together.

Core concept

Expresses adding strength to someone or something through practical help, kind words, or enthusiastic cheering.

Common phrases

  • 応援するō en su ru

    support

  • 応援に行くō en ni i ku

    go to cheer

  • 応援を受けるō en o u ke ru

    receive support

Similar words

支援shien: Help that enables a person, group, or activity to achieve a goal.
声援seien: Encouraging words or shouts directed at someone during an event or competition.
援助enjo: Practical help, such as money or supplies, given to someone in difficulty.

Definition in Japanese

人や団体に力を添え、活動や努力を後押しすること。hito ya dan tai ni chikara o so e katsu dō ya do ryoku o ato o shi su ru ko to

Word origin

応援 (ōen, "support") combines 応 (ō, "respond") with 援 (en, "help"), forming a word for responding to someone's need by helping them.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 応援 (ōen) applies to supporting a person's efforts as well as rooting for a team, which gives it a wider use than English cheering.

Other meanings

  • encouragementnoun
  • cheeringnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 応援者ōenshasupporternoun

Word lists with this word