救援

• Pinyin: jiù yuán
• Hanzi breakdown: 救 = 求 + 攵, to rescue; 援 = 扌+ 爰, to assist/support

Meaning

To rescue; rescue operation. Organized efforts to save people from danger or disaster.

Used for formal rescue operations: disaster relief (灾难救援), search and rescue (搜救援助), or military rescue. More formal and organized than simple 救 (save). Common collocations include 救援队 (rescue team), 救援行动 (rescue operation), and 紧急救援 (emergency rescue).

Examples

1. 地震发生后，多支救援队伍第一时间赶赴灾区。 After the earthquake struck, multiple rescue teams rushed to the disaster area immediately.
2. 海上救援工作难度很大，需要专业的设备和人员。 Maritime rescue operations are very challenging and require professional equipment and personnel.
3. 被困矿工在等待救援的过程中互相鼓励，保持冷静。 The trapped miners encouraged each other and stayed calm while waiting for rescue.

Usage Guide

Context: disaster, emergency, news

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 救援人员正在全力搜索失踪者。(Rescue personnel are searching for the missing with all their might.)
• 国际救援组织派出了专家团队。(International rescue organizations sent expert teams.)

Don't Say

• 用救援形容日常帮忙，如'谢谢你的救援' (救援 is for emergencies — for everyday help just say 帮忙 or 帮助)

Origin & History

Compound of 救 (to save, to rescue) + 援 (to aid, to assist). Together meaning organized rescue assistance.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal