救助

• Reading: きゅうじょ
• Romaji: kyuujo
• Kanji breakdown: 救 (kyū) — rescue, save; 助 (jo) — help, assist
• Pronunciation: /kjɯː.dʑo/

Meaning

Relief; aid; rescue. Saving someone from danger or a difficult situation.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (救助する). Used in emergency and disaster contexts. Common compounds include 救助隊 (rescue team), 救助活動 (rescue operations), and 救助犬 (rescue dog). More action-oriented than 援助 (support/aid), emphasising the act of physically saving someone from immediate danger.

Examples

1. 消防士が火事から子供を救助した。 Firefighters rescued the child from the fire.
2. 地震の後、救助活動が続いている。 Rescue operations are continuing after the earthquake.
3. 海で溺れている人を救助するのは難しい。 Rescuing someone drowning in the ocean is difficult.

Usage Guide

Context: emergencies, disasters, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 救 (kyū, to rescue/save) and 助 (jo, to help/assist). Together, 'rescuing and helping' — the urgent act of saving someone in peril.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal