援助

• Pinyin: yuán zhù
• Hanzi breakdown: 援 = 扌(hand) + 爰, meaning to rescue; 助 = 且 + 力 (strength), meaning to help

Meaning

To aid; to assist; assistance; support. To provide help, especially in difficult or crisis situations.

Often used for formal, organized assistance. Common phrases: 人道主义援助 (humanitarian aid), 紧急援助 (emergency assistance), 国际援助 (international aid), 经济援助 (economic aid), 医疗援助 (medical assistance). More formal than 帮助.

Examples

1. 灾区收到了来自世界各地的援助物资。 The disaster area received relief supplies from all over the world.
2. 政府向困难家庭提供了经济援助。 The government provided financial assistance to families in need.
3. 国际组织正在为难民提供人道主义援助。 International organizations are providing humanitarian aid to refugees.

Usage Guide

Context: disaster relief, international relations, social welfare

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 我们向灾区提供援助。(We provide assistance to the disaster area.)
• 感谢你们的援助。(Thank you for your assistance.)

Don't Say

• 我援助你做作业 — 日常帮忙用'帮助'，援助用于重大事件或正式场合

Origin & History

Compound of 援 (to rescue, pull up) + 助 (to help). Together meaning to provide support and assistance, especially in times of need.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal