Japanese word

支える

Pronunciation

Romajisasaeru

Meaning

  • verbsupport

Example

家族が私を支えます。ka zoku ga watashi o sasa e ma su

My family supports me.

Illustration for 支える (support)

More examples

私たちは困った友人を支えました。watashi ta chi wa koma tta yū jin o sasa e ma shi ta

We supported a friend who was in trouble.

Core concept

It describes giving a person or thing the strength or assistance needed to remain stable and continue.

Common phrases

  • 家族を支えるka zoku o sasa e ru

    support one's family

  • 友人を支えるyū jin o sasa e ru

    support a friend

  • 活動を支えるkatsu dō o sasa e ru

    support an activity

Similar words

助けるtasukeru: To make it easier for someone to deal with a problem or difficult situation.
支援するshiensuru: To provide help, resources, or services so that a person, group, or activity can continue.
支持するshijisuru: To show approval of a person, idea, or plan and agree to back it.

Definition in Japanese

物を下から持ち、また人を助けて、安定した状態を保つこと。mono o shita ka ra mo chi ma ta hito o tasu ke te an tei shi ta jō tai o tamo tsu ko to

Word origin

支える (sasaeru) is a native Japanese verb in the historical 支ふ (sasafu, "to support") family, and 支え (sasae, "support") is its modern stem form used in related words.

Usage tips

  • Although English support can mean agreeing with an opinion, 支える (sasaeru) usually means helping a person or system remain stable rather than simply expressing agreement.

Other meanings

  • hold upverb
  • sustainverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 支え手sasaetesupporternoun
  • 支え合いsasaeaimutual supportnoun

Word lists with this word