援助

• Reading: えんじょ
• Romaji: enjo
• Kanji breakdown: 援 (en) — to assist, to rescue; 助 (jo) — to help
• Pronunciation: /eɴ.dʑo/

Meaning

Assistance; aid; support. Providing help, especially material or financial, to those in difficulty.

A noun that can function as a suru-verb (援助する). While similar to 支援, 援助 often implies providing tangible help to those in a weaker or more desperate position, such as international aid. Common collocations include 経済援助 (economic aid), 食糧援助 (food aid), and 援助を求める (to seek assistance).

Examples

1. 海外への援助を増やすべきだという意見がある。 Some people argue that we should increase aid to other countries.
2. 困っている人に援助の手を差し伸べたい。 I want to reach out and help people in need.
3. 国際的な援助が被災地に届いた。 International aid reached the disaster-affected area.

Usage Guide

Context: international relations, news, government

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 援 (to assist, to rescue) and 助 (to help). Both characters carry the meaning of assistance, creating a strong emphasis on helping.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal