支援
支援 en 30 secondes
- Formal support or assistance.
- Often involves money or resources.
- Used in business, news, and charity.
- Not for casual, everyday help.
The Japanese word 支援 (shien) fundamentally refers to the act of providing comprehensive help, backing, or support to an individual, group, organization, or cause that is in need of assistance. This term is deeply embedded in both formal and professional contexts, distinguishing itself from more casual words for help by implying a structured, significant, and often resource-intensive form of aid. When you encounter this vocabulary word, it almost always carries a connotation of institutional, financial, or strategic backing rather than simply lending a hand with a minor daily chore.
- Core Definition
- At its absolute core, the term signifies the provision of necessary resources, whether they be monetary, physical, emotional, or logistical, to ensure the success, survival, or improvement of another party's situation. It is a noun that frequently transforms into a verb by appending 'suru' (to do), thereby becoming an active expression of delivering aid.
政府は新しいビジネスを支援するための特別基金を設立しました。
Understanding the precise nuance of this word requires recognizing its typical environments. You will rarely hear a child asking a parent for this type of support when struggling with homework; instead, you will read about it in newspapers detailing international relations, disaster relief efforts, or corporate sponsorships. The gravity of the word demands a context where the assistance provided has a measurable and often public impact.
- Nuance and Scope
- The scope of this vocabulary encompasses a wide spectrum of supportive actions. It can refer to technical support provided by an IT department, financial backing from an investor, humanitarian aid delivered to a war-torn region, or academic assistance given to students with learning disabilities. The unifying thread is the systematic nature of the help.
私たちは被災地への支援物資を集めています。
Furthermore, the kanji characters that make up this word offer profound insight into its meaning. The first character, 支 (shi), means to support, branch, or sustain. The second character, 援 (en), means to assist, help, or rescue. Together, they form a compound that visually and conceptually reinforces the idea of holding someone up and pulling them out of difficulty. This etymological foundation is crucial for advanced learners who wish to fully grasp the weight of the terminology.
- Societal Impact
- In contemporary Japanese society, this concept is highly valued. The collective responsibility to provide backing to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or victims of natural disasters, is frequently discussed in public discourse. Therefore, mastering this word is not just a linguistic achievement, but a cultural one as well.
技術的な支援が必要な場合は、ご連絡ください。
国際社会は難民に対する支援を強化すべきだ。
彼女の支援なしでは、このプロジェクトは成功しなかっただろう。
Mastering the usage of this specific vocabulary item requires a solid understanding of Japanese grammar, particularly how nouns function in conjunction with various verbs to create dynamic expressions of giving and receiving aid. Because it is a 'suru-verb' noun, its most common application is simply attaching 'suru' to the end, transforming the abstract concept of support into the active verb 'to support'. However, the grammatical ecosystem surrounding this word is incredibly rich and varied, offering numerous ways to articulate complex situations involving assistance.
- Providing Support
- When you are the one providing the backing, or when you are describing a third party providing aid, the standard construction is '[Target] wo shien suru'. This clearly marks the recipient of the help with the direct object particle 'wo'. You can also use verbs like 'okonau' (to conduct) for a more formal, administrative tone, as in 'shien wo okonau'.
弊社は地元の教育プログラムを積極的に支援しています。
Conversely, expressing the reception of aid is equally important. In professional and formal contexts, acknowledging the help you have received is a crucial aspect of Japanese business etiquette. The most common way to express this is by using the verb 'ukeru' (to receive). The phrase 'shien wo ukeru' is universally understood and appropriately polite for describing the act of being supported by an external entity, whether it be a government grant or a mentor's guidance.
- Receiving Support
- To articulate that you are the beneficiary of assistance, you utilize the construction '[Source] kara shien wo ukeru'. This translates to 'receiving support from [Source]'. It is a passive concept expressed with an active verb, highlighting the acquisition of the necessary resources or backing.
多くの企業から資金的な支援を受けました。
Another critical grammatical pattern involves requesting aid. In situations where resources are scarce or assistance is urgently needed, the verb 'motomeru' (to request, to seek) is frequently paired with this noun. 'Shien wo motomeru' is a standard phrase used in news reports to describe organizations or countries appealing for international aid or public donations. It conveys a sense of necessity and formal appeal.
- Requesting Support
- The phrase 'shien wo yousei suru' (to request support) is another highly formal alternative often used by government officials or emergency services. It implies a formal, official plea for assistance, usually in dire or highly structured circumstances.
市長は国に対して緊急の支援を求めた。
皆様の温かいご支援をお願い申し上げます。
新しいプロジェクトのための支援者を募集しています。
The environments in which you will encounter this specific vocabulary word are predominantly formal, professional, and institutional. Because the word inherently implies a structured, significant, and often resource-intensive form of backing, it is not typically part of casual, everyday banter among friends or family members. Instead, it is a staple of the Japanese media landscape, corporate communications, and government announcements. If you regularly consume Japanese news, whether through television broadcasts, digital articles, or printed newspapers, you will undoubtedly see and hear this word on a near-daily basis, particularly in sections dedicated to politics, economics, and social issues.
- News and Media
- In the realm of journalism, the term is ubiquitous. It is the standard vocabulary used to describe international aid, such as a developed nation providing financial or logistical backing to a developing nation. It is also heavily used in domestic news regarding disaster relief, where the government or non-profit organizations mobilize resources to assist affected regions.
ニュースで、政府が新しい子育て支援策を発表したと聞きました。
Beyond the news, the corporate world is another primary domain for this vocabulary. In business Japanese, companies frequently discuss supporting various initiatives, startups, or community projects. It is a key term in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports, where businesses outline their philanthropic efforts and the various ways they are contributing to society. Furthermore, within the IT sector, the term is universally used to refer to technical support provided to customers or clients who are experiencing difficulties with software or hardware.
- Business and Technology
- In a corporate setting, you will frequently encounter compound words like 'shikin shien' (financial support) or 'gijutsu shien' (technical support). These terms are essential for negotiating contracts, defining service level agreements, and communicating the scope of a business partnership.
カスタマー支援チームがお客様の問題を解決いたします。
Finally, the non-profit and charitable sectors rely heavily on this terminology. Organizations dedicated to social causes, environmental protection, or humanitarian relief use this word constantly in their promotional materials, fundraising campaigns, and mission statements. When a charity asks for donations, they are essentially asking for your 'shien'. Understanding this word is therefore crucial for anyone looking to engage with Japanese civil society or participate in volunteer activities.
- Charity and NGOs
- Terms like 'shien-kin' (support money/donation) and 'shien busshi' (relief supplies) are standard vocabulary in the non-profit sector. Recognizing these terms will allow you to understand how organizations operate and how you can contribute to their causes.
NPO法人がホームレスの自立支援を行っている。
多くのボランティアが復興支援に参加しました。
発展途上国への経済支援が議論されている。
When learners of the Japanese language first encounter the concept of providing help or assistance, they often default to the most basic vocabulary they have acquired, typically the verb 'tetsudau' (to help) or 'tasukeru' (to save/help). A very common and understandable mistake occurs when learners attempt to translate the English word 'support' directly into Japanese without considering the scale, formality, and specific context of the situation. Using the highly formal and institutional word we are studying today in a casual, everyday scenario sounds incredibly unnatural and often slightly comical to native Japanese speakers, as it implies a level of grandiosity that does not match the action.
- Over-formality
- The most frequent error is applying this formal term to minor, personal tasks. For example, if you want to help a friend move furniture or assist a colleague with carrying heavy boxes, using this formal term is inappropriate. It sounds as though you are launching a government-funded initiative to move a sofa.
❌ 宿題を支援してくれませんか?
⭕ 宿題を手伝ってくれませんか?
Another significant area of confusion lies in the distinction between emotional support and logistical or financial support. While the English word 'support' can easily encompass cheering someone up, being there for a friend during a tough emotional time, or rooting for a sports team, the Japanese term we are analyzing is generally much colder and more practical. It deals with tangible resources, strategic backing, and institutional aid. If you want to express emotional support or encouragement, there are other, far more suitable words in the Japanese lexicon.
- Emotional vs. Practical
- Do not use this word to mean 'cheering for' or 'emotionally comforting' someone. For cheering on a sports team or encouraging a friend, the word 'ouen' (応援) is the correct choice. Using the formal term for practical aid in an emotional context strips the sentiment of its warmth and personal connection.
❌ 試合で彼を支援した。
⭕ 試合で彼を応援した。
Grammatically, learners sometimes struggle with the correct particles when using this word as a verb. Because it is a transitive concept (you support *something* or *someone*), it generally takes the direct object particle 'wo'. However, when translating from English phrases like 'support for the project', learners might mistakenly use 'ni' or 'e' incorrectly. While 'ni taisuru shien' (support towards) is valid, the basic verb form should strictly use 'wo'.
- Particle Usage
- Ensure you are using the 'wo' particle to mark the recipient of the support when using the word as a verb (e.g., [Target] wo shien suru). Incorrect particle usage can make the sentence confusing or grammatically invalid.
❌ 彼はその計画に支援する。
⭕ 彼はその計画を支援する。
❌ 友達が泣いている時、支援してあげた。
⭕ 友達が泣いている時、慰めてあげた。
❌ 料理を支援する。
⭕ 料理を手伝う。
The Japanese language is incredibly rich in vocabulary related to helping, assisting, and supporting. Because the culture places a high value on cooperation, mutual aid, and social harmony, there are numerous words that translate to 'help' or 'support' in English, but each carries a very specific nuance, level of formality, and appropriate context. To truly master Japanese at an advanced level, you must learn to navigate this complex web of synonyms and choose the exact right word for the situation. The formal term we are focusing on today is just one piece of a much larger semantic puzzle.
- 援助 (Enjo) - Assistance / Aid
- This word is perhaps the closest synonym. It also means assistance or aid, and is highly formal. However, 'enjo' often carries a stronger connotation of financial or material rescue, implying that the recipient is in a state of deficit or hardship and cannot survive without the help. The word we are studying today is slightly broader and can imply backing someone who is already doing well but needs extra resources to achieve a goal.
政府は途上国に資金援助を行った。
Another crucial distinction must be made between practical, resource-based support and emotional, enthusiastic support. As mentioned in the common mistakes section, English speakers frequently use 'support' to mean 'cheering for' a sports team, a political candidate, or a friend's endeavor. In Japanese, this emotional and vocal backing is encapsulated by a completely different vocabulary word, which is essential for everyday conversation and expressing enthusiasm.
- 応援 (Ouen) - Cheering / Emotional Support
- This word translates to cheering, rooting for, or supporting emotionally. You use this when you are in the stands at a baseball game, when you are encouraging a friend before a big exam, or when you are expressing moral support for a cause without necessarily providing tangible resources.
明日の試合、みんなで応援に行くよ!
Finally, we must consider the most basic and fundamental words for helping, which are the native Japanese verbs (wago) rather than the Sino-Japanese compounds (kango). These are the words you learn in your very first Japanese classes, and they remain the most appropriate choices for the vast majority of daily, interpersonal interactions where minor assistance is required.
- 手伝う (Tetsudau) & 助ける (Tasukeru)
- 'Tetsudau' means to help with a task or chore (like carrying bags or cooking). 'Tasukeru' means to save, rescue, or help someone out of a difficult or dangerous situation. Neither carries the institutional weight of the formal term we are studying.
母の買い物を手伝う。
川で溺れている子供を助けた。
企業がスポーツ大会を協賛する。
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
Noun + を + する (Making a noun an active verb)
Noun + を + 受ける (Passive reception of an action)
Noun + に対する (Expressing direction of an action towards a target)
敬語 (Keigo) - Adding 'go-' for polite nouns (ご支援)
〜ていただく (Receiving a favor humbly - ご支援いただく)
Exemples par niveau
手伝ってください。
Please help me. (Using the beginner verb instead of the formal noun)
Uses the basic wago verb tetsudau.
これを手伝います。
I will help with this.
Basic present/future tense.
助けて!
Help! (Emergency)
Uses tasukeru for emergencies.
母を手伝います。
I help my mother.
Direct object particle 'wo'.
宿題を手伝って。
Help me with my homework.
Te-form for casual request.
手伝いましょうか?
Shall I help you?
Volitional form for offering.
兄が手伝ってくれました。
My older brother helped me.
Kureru for receiving a favor.
仕事を手伝う。
I help with the work.
Dictionary form.
ニュースで支援という言葉を聞きました。
I heard the word 'support' on the news.
Recognizing the word in media.
ボランティアが支援をします。
Volunteers provide support.
Using suru with the noun.
支援のお金を集めます。
We collect money for support.
Using 'no' to modify a noun.
国が支援をします。
The country provides support.
Subject particle 'ga'.
支援が必要です。
Support is necessary.
Adjective 'hitsuyou' (necessary).
外国に支援を送ります。
We send aid to foreign countries.
Direction particle 'ni'.
支援の活動に参加します。
I will participate in support activities.
Compound concept 'shien no katsudou'.
たくさんの支援をありがとう。
Thank you for a lot of support.
Casual expression of gratitude.
政府は新しい支援策を発表しました。
The government announced a new support policy.
Compound noun 'shien-saku' (support policy).
被災地への支援が求められています。
Support for the disaster area is being requested.
Passive voice 'motomerarete iru'.
私たちは学習支援のボランティアをしています。
We are volunteering for learning support.
Specific type of support 'gakushuu shien'.
資金的な支援を受けることができました。
We were able to receive financial support.
Potential form 'koto ga dekita'.
彼らの支援に深く感謝いたします。
I am deeply grateful for their support.
Formal gratitude 'fukaku kansha itashimasu'.
IT支援のチームに連絡してください。
Please contact the IT support team.
Professional context.
このプロジェクトは皆様の支援で成り立っています。
This project is built upon everyone's support.
Particle 'de' indicating means/cause.
支援物資が到着しました。
The relief supplies have arrived.
Compound noun 'shien busshi'.
中小企業に対する政府の支援が拡充された。
Government support for small and medium enterprises has been expanded.
Formal grammar 'ni taisuru' (towards).
技術支援を提供する契約を結びました。
We signed a contract to provide technical support.
Business vocabulary 'teikyou suru' (to provide).
国際社会は難民支援に積極的に取り組むべきだ。
The international community should actively engage in refugee support.
Strong recommendation 'beki da'.
多大なご支援を賜り、厚く御礼申し上げます。
We humbly express our deepest gratitude for your immense support.
Highly formal Keigo (humble language).
自立支援プログラムの成果が報告された。
The results of the independence support program were reported.
Passive voice in a formal report.
資金繰りの悪化により、銀行に支援を要請した。
Due to worsening cash flow, we requested support from the bank.
Formal request 'yousei shita'.
継続的な支援体制の構築が急務である。
The construction of a continuous support system is an urgent task.
Academic/Professional phrasing 'kyuumu de aru'.
被害者支援の法律が改正される見通しだ。
The law for victim support is expected to be revised.
News reporting style 'mitooshi da'.
当機構は、途上国のインフラ整備に向けた包括的な支援を実施している。
Our organization implements comprehensive support for infrastructure development in developing countries.
Highly formal institutional language.
財政支援の打ち切りは、地域経済に深刻な打撃を与える懸念がある。
There are concerns that the termination of financial support will deal a severe blow to the regional economy.
Advanced vocabulary 'uchikiri' (termination), 'dageki' (blow).
就労支援を通じて、社会的孤立を防ぐセーフティネットの役割を果たす。
Through employment support, it plays the role of a safety net preventing social isolation.
Sociological context and phrasing.
人道支援の現場では、政治的中立性の確保が常に課題となる。
In the field of humanitarian aid, ensuring political neutrality is always a challenge.
Abstract concepts 'chuuritsusei' (neutrality).
ベンチャー企業への資金支援の枠組みを抜本的に見直す必要がある。
There is a need to fundamentally review the framework for financial support to venture companies.
Advanced business strategy terminology.
被害者の心理的支援において、専門家による長期的な介入が不可欠だ。
In the psychological support of victims, long-term intervention by specialists is indispensable.
Medical/Psychological context.
国際的な支援の輪が広がる中、我が国も応分の負担を求められている。
As the circle of international support expands, our country is also being asked to bear a proportionate burden.
Diplomatic and political phrasing.
復興支援税の使途をめぐり、国会で激しい議論が交わされた。
Fierce debates were exchanged in the Diet over the use of the reconstruction support tax.
Political and economic debate terminology.
マクロ経済的視点から見れば、当該産業への過度な保護支援は市場の歪みを助長しかねない。
From a macroeconomic perspective, excessive protective support for the industry in question could potentially exacerbate market distortions.
Academic economic analysis.
国際法に基づく相互支援協定の批准により、両国間の安全保障体制は新たな次元へと移行した。
With the ratification of the mutual support agreement based on international law, the security framework between the two nations has transitioned to a new dimension.
Legal and diplomatic terminology.
社会的弱者に対する支援のあり方は、その国家の成熟度を測る最も確かな指標の一つであると言えよう。
It can be said that the nature of support for the socially vulnerable is one of the most reliable indicators for measuring the maturity of a nation.
Philosophical and sociological rhetoric.
被災者の生活再建支援において、画一的な施策ではなく、個々のニーズに即したきめ細やかな対応が急務とされている。
In supporting the rebuilding of disaster victims' lives, there is an urgent need for meticulous responses tailored to individual needs, rather than uniform measures.
Advanced policy critique.
企業の社会的責任(CSR)の一環としての文化芸術支援(メセナ)は、長期的なブランド価値の向上に寄与する。
Corporate support for arts and culture (mécénat) as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributes to the long-term enhancement of brand value.
Advanced corporate strategy and specialized vocabulary.
開発途上国に対する技術支援は、単なる技術移転にとどまらず、現地の自立的発展を促す人材育成を伴うものでなければならない。
Technical support for developing countries must not be limited to mere technology transfer, but must be accompanied by human resource development that promotes local autonomous development.
International development theory.
法的支援へのアクセス格差の是正は、司法制度改革における最重要課題として位置づけられている。
Correcting the disparity in access to legal support is positioned as the most important issue in the reform of the judicial system.
Legal and systemic reform discourse.
地域コミュニティにおける互助的な支援ネットワークの再構築が、少子高齢化社会を乗り切る鍵となる。
The reconstruction of mutual support networks within local communities holds the key to overcoming the challenges of a society with a declining birthrate and aging population.
Advanced demographic and sociological analysis.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Comment l'utiliser
When combined with 'sha' (person) to make 'shiensha', it often specifically means a political supporter or a financial backer.
Using 'shien' for minor, personal help (like carrying a bag) sounds very unnatural and overly dramatic.
Asking for 'shien' implies a formal, often public acknowledgment of need, which can carry a sense of obligation to repay the favor or succeed in the endeavor.
- Using 支援 for small, personal favors (e.g., asking a friend to 'shien' your homework instead of 'tetsudau').
- Using 支援 to mean emotional support or cheering (e.g., saying you will 'shien' a baseball team instead of 'ouen').
- Forgetting the polite prefix 'go-' (ご) when thanking a client or superior for their support in a business context.
- Using the wrong particle, such as 'プロジェクトに支援する' instead of the correct 'プロジェクトを支援する'.
- Confusing 支援 (shien - support) with 資源 (shigen - resources) because they sound similar and appear in similar economic contexts.
Astuces
Use 'wo' for the target of support
When using 支援 as a verb (支援する), always remember to mark the recipient of the support with the particle 'を' (wo). For example, 'プロジェクトを支援する' (to support the project). Avoid using 'に' (ni) directly before the verb in standard active sentences, though 'に対する' (ni taisuru) is acceptable for noun modification.
Master the compound words
To sound truly fluent, learn the common prefixes attached to 支援. Memorize 資金支援 (financial support), 技術支援 (technical support), and 復興支援 (reconstruction support). These chunks are used constantly in news and business, and knowing them will drastically improve your reading speed.
Elevate with 'Go-' in business
In professional emails or speeches, never just say '支援ありがとう'. Always attach the polite prefix 'ご' (go) to make it 'ご支援'. Saying 'ご支援ありがとうございます' shows respect and an understanding of Japanese business etiquette.
Don't use it for emotional cheering
Never use 支援 when you mean 'I'm rooting for you!' or 'Good luck!'. If you are emotionally supporting a friend or a sports team, use 応援 (ouen). 支援 implies you are giving them money, resources, or official backing.
Keep the pitch flat
The pronunciation of 支援 is 'heiban' (flat). Do not put a heavy accent on the 'shi'. It should be pronounced smoothly and evenly: shi-en. Incorrect pitch accent can make it sound like 'private grudge' (私怨), though context usually clarifies.
Look for it in the news
The best way to master this word is to read Japanese news articles about politics, economics, or disasters. You will see 支援 used in almost every article regarding government policy or international relations. Highlight it every time you see it to understand its natural context.
Use 'okonau' for higher formality
While '支援する' is perfectly fine, if you are writing a highly formal academic paper or an official corporate press release, use '支援を行う' (to conduct support). It sounds slightly more objective, administrative, and professional.
Catch the passive form
In news broadcasts, you will often hear the passive form: 支援を受けている (is receiving support) or 支援されている (is being supported). Train your ear to catch these passive endings, as they indicate who is the beneficiary of the aid.
Learn the antonyms
To fully understand a word, learn its opposites. While there isn't a direct single-word antonym for 'providing support', words like 妨害 (bougai - obstruction) or 反対 (hantai - opposition) represent the opposite action in a formal context.
Keep it out of the house
As a general rule, 支援 belongs in the office, the government building, or the newsroom. It does not belong in the living room or the kitchen. For domestic or personal help, stick to 手伝う (tetsudau).
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
She ends (shi-en) up supporting the whole project with her money.
Origine du mot
Contexte culturel
Implies a one-way flow of resources from a stronger/wealthier entity to a weaker/needy entity, or a formal backing of a project.
Highly formal. Appropriate for business, news, and official documents.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"最近、政府の新しい子育て支援策についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about the government's new childcare support policy recently?)"
"あなたの会社はどのような社会支援活動を行っていますか? (What kind of social support activities does your company do?)"
"被災地への支援物資として、何が一番必要だと思いますか? (What do you think is most needed as relief supplies for the disaster area?)"
"新しいビジネスを始める時、どのような支援が必要ですか? (When starting a new business, what kind of support is necessary?)"
"ITの技術支援を受けたことがありますか? (Have you ever received IT technical support?)"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a time when you received significant support (shien) from an organization or institution.
Write about a cause or charity that you would like to support (shien suru) and why.
Discuss the difference between emotional support (ouen) and practical support (shien) in your own life.
Analyze a recent news article that mentions government or international support (shien).
Write a formal letter expressing gratitude for financial or technical support you have received.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is highly unnatural to use 支援 for personal favors like moving. 支援 implies formal, institutional, or large-scale support, often involving money or professional resources. For asking a friend to help you move, you should use the verb 手伝う (tetsudau), as in '引っ越しを手伝ってくれませんか?' (Could you help me move?). Using 支援 would sound like you are asking for a government grant to move your sofa.
支援 refers to practical, tangible support, such as financial backing, technical assistance, or relief supplies. 応援 refers to emotional, vocal, or moral support, such as cheering for a sports team or encouraging a friend. You provide 支援 to a startup company by investing money, but you provide 応援 to your favorite baseball team by shouting in the stadium. Mixing them up changes the meaning from practical aid to emotional cheering.
In a formal business context, you should add the honorific prefix 'go-' to the word. A very standard and polite phrase is 'ご支援いただき、誠にありがとうございます' (Thank you very sincerely for your support). For an even more formal opening to an email, you can write '平素は格別のご支援を賜り、厚く御礼申し上げます' (I express my deepest gratitude for your exceptional and ongoing support).
支援 is primarily a noun meaning 'support' or 'assistance'. However, like many Sino-Japanese words (kango), it can easily be transformed into a verb by attaching 'する' (suru - to do) to the end, creating '支援する' (to support). It is extremely common in both its noun and verb forms.
Because 支援する is a transitive verb (an action done to an object), you generally use the direct object particle 'を' (wo) to mark the person, group, or project receiving the support. For example, '彼らを支援する' (I support them). If you want to say 'support towards/for', you can use 'に対する' (ni taisuru), as in '被災地に対する支援' (support for the disaster area).
資金支援 is a very common compound noun that translates to 'financial support' or 'funding'. '資金' (shikin) means funds or capital. You will frequently see this term in business news when a larger company invests in a startup, or when a government provides grants to struggling industries. It specifically clarifies that the support being provided is monetary.
The word itself is positive, meaning to help or support. However, it can be used in negative sentences to describe the lack or withdrawal of support. For example, '支援を打ち切る' means to cut off or terminate support, which is a negative action. Similarly, '支援が不足している' means there is a lack of support.
Yes, absolutely. In the IT industry, '技術支援' (gijutsu shien) is the standard term for 'technical support'. If you buy software and need help installing it, you would contact the '支援チーム' (support team) or 'カスタマー支援' (customer support). It perfectly captures the professional, resource-based help provided by tech companies.
Both words mean support or aid and are highly formal. However, 援助 (enjo) often carries a stronger nuance of rescuing someone who is in a significantly weaker, desperate, or impoverished position (like foreign aid to a starving nation). 支援 (shien) is slightly broader and can be used for backing someone who is already capable but needs extra resources to achieve a goal (like supporting a successful startup to grow faster).
By adding the kanji '者' (sha - person), you create the word 支援者, which means 'supporter', 'backer', or 'patron'. This term is heavily used in politics to refer to a politician's financial or organizational backers. It is also used in charity to refer to donors, and in business to refer to investors or sponsors.
Teste-toi 200 questions
Translate: The government supports new businesses.
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Translate: We received financial support.
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Translate: Thank you for your support. (Formal business)
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Translate: I request technical support.
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Translate: The support for the disaster area is insufficient.
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Translate: We will strengthen our support system.
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Translate: He is a supporter of the project.
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Translate: Relief supplies have arrived.
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Translate: They cut off the support.
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Translate: We provide learning support for children.
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Translate: The company announced a new support policy.
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Translate: I participate in reconstruction support.
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Translate: We need comprehensive support.
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Translate: The circle of support is expanding.
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Translate: We offer employment support.
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Translate: I am grateful for your immense support.
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Translate: We collect support money.
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Translate: Extend a helping (support) hand.
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Translate: The support reaches everyone.
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Translate: Embark on providing support.
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Pronounce the word for 'support'.
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Pronounce 'financial support'.
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Pronounce 'technical support'.
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Pronounce 'reconstruction support'.
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Pronounce 'relief supplies'.
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Pronounce 'supporter'.
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Pronounce 'support policy'.
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Pronounce 'support system'.
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Pronounce 'employment support'.
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Pronounce 'learning support'.
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Say 'Thank you for your support' formally.
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Say 'to receive support'.
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Say 'to request support'.
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Say 'to cut off support'.
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Say 'to strengthen support'.
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Say 'comprehensive support'.
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Say 'support money'.
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Say 'circle of support'.
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Say 'to extend a helping hand'.
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Say 'to embark on providing support'.
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Listen and transcribe: しえん
Listen and transcribe: しきんしえん
Listen and transcribe: ぎじゅつしえん
Listen and transcribe: ふっこうしえん
Listen and transcribe: しえんぶっし
Listen and transcribe: しえんしゃ
Listen and transcribe: しえんさく
Listen and transcribe: しえんたいせい
Listen and transcribe: しゅうろうしえん
Listen and transcribe: がくしゅうしえん
Listen and transcribe: ごしえんありがとうございます
Listen and transcribe: しえんをうける
Listen and transcribe: しえんをもとめる
Listen and transcribe: しえんをうちきる
Listen and transcribe: しえんをきょうかする
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Summary
Use 支援 (shien) for formal, institutional, or resource-based support, like financial aid or technical assistance, rather than emotional cheering or small daily favors. Example: 資金支援 (Financial support).
- Formal support or assistance.
- Often involves money or resources.
- Used in business, news, and charity.
- Not for casual, everyday help.
Use 'wo' for the target of support
When using 支援 as a verb (支援する), always remember to mark the recipient of the support with the particle 'を' (wo). For example, 'プロジェクトを支援する' (to support the project). Avoid using 'に' (ni) directly before the verb in standard active sentences, though 'に対する' (ni taisuru) is acceptable for noun modification.
Master the compound words
To sound truly fluent, learn the common prefixes attached to 支援. Memorize 資金支援 (financial support), 技術支援 (technical support), and 復興支援 (reconstruction support). These chunks are used constantly in news and business, and knowing them will drastically improve your reading speed.
Elevate with 'Go-' in business
In professional emails or speeches, never just say '支援ありがとう'. Always attach the polite prefix 'ご' (go) to make it 'ご支援'. Saying 'ご支援ありがとうございます' shows respect and an understanding of Japanese business etiquette.
Don't use it for emotional cheering
Never use 支援 when you mean 'I'm rooting for you!' or 'Good luck!'. If you are emotionally supporting a friend or a sports team, use 応援 (ouen). 支援 implies you are giving them money, resources, or official backing.
Exemple
被災地への支援物資が次々と届いている。