助手

• Reading: じょしゅ
• Romaji: joshu
• Kanji breakdown: 助 (jo) — help, assist; 手 (shu) — hand, person
• Pronunciation: /dʑo.ɕɯ/

Meaning

Helper; assistant. A person who aids or supports someone in their work.

A noun referring to someone in a supporting role, especially in professional or academic settings. In universities, 助手 is a specific academic rank below 助教 (assistant professor). Also used more broadly for any assistant or helper, such as a research assistant or a driver's passenger seat (助手席).

Examples

1. 教授の助手として研究を手伝っている。 I'm helping with research as the professor's assistant.
2. 助手席に座ってもいいですか。 May I sit in the passenger seat?
3. 彼女は有名な料理人の助手だった。 She used to be the assistant to a famous chef.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, workplace, driving

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 助 (help, assist) and 手 (hand, person who does). Together they describe a person who lends a hand, literally a 'helping hand.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal