支援

• Pinyin: zhī yuán
• Hanzi breakdown: 支 = 十 (ten) + 又 (hand); 援 = 扌 (hand) + 爰 (thereupon)

Meaning

To support; to provide aid or assistance; reinforcement or backup.

Refers to providing help, resources, or reinforcements to those in need. Often used in military, disaster relief, or organizational contexts. Can be used as both verb and noun. More formal than simple 帮助.

Examples

1. 灾区急需医疗物资，各地纷纷组织支援。 The disaster area urgently needs medical supplies, and regions everywhere are organizing aid.
2. 他们派出了一支医疗队前往支援疫情严重的地区。 They sent a medical team to support areas severely affected by the epidemic.
3. 前线部队请求后方紧急支援。 The frontline troops requested emergency reinforcement from the rear.

Usage Guide

Context: military, disaster relief, organization

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 感谢各界的大力支援。(Thanks for the strong support from all sectors.)
• 我们随时准备支援你们。(We are ready to support you at any time.)

Don't Say

• 我支援你吃饭。(Too formal — use 帮助 or 请 for casual help)

Origin & History

Compound of 支 (branch, support) and 援 (pull, rescue). Together they mean to extend support or assistance.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal