支援

• Reading: しえん
• Romaji: shien
• Kanji breakdown: 支 (shi) — to support, to sustain; 援 (en) — to assist, to rescue
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.eɴ/

Meaning

Support; backing; aid; assistance. Providing help or resources to someone in need.

A noun that can function as a suru-verb (支援する). 支援 implies structured, often organizational assistance and is more formal than 手伝い (help). Common collocations include 支援活動 (support activities), 経済支援 (economic support), 子育て支援 (childcare support), and 支援者 (supporter).

Examples

1. 政府は中小企業への支援を強化している。 The government is strengthening support for small and medium-sized businesses.
2. 留学生を支援するプログラムがある。 There is a program to support international students.
3. 災害後すぐに支援活動が始まった。 Relief efforts began immediately after the disaster.

Usage Guide

Context: government, business, disaster relief

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 支 (to support, to sustain) and 援 (to assist, to rescue). Together they mean to support and assist.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal