救う

• Reading: すくう
• Romaji: sukuu
• Kanji breakdown: 救 (kyuu/suku) — to save, rescue
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.kɯː/

Meaning

To rescue; to save; to help out of trouble. Delivering someone from danger or hardship.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated as an u-verb (救わない, 救って, etc.). Takes a direct object with を. Used for both physical rescue and metaphorical salvation. Common in emergency, humanitarian, and emotional contexts.

Examples

1. 消防士が火事から子供を救った。 A firefighter rescued the child from the fire.
2. 彼の一言が私の気持ちを救ってくれた。 His words saved my spirits.
3. 困っている人を救うためにボランティアを始めた。 I started volunteering to help people in need.

Usage Guide

Context: emergencies, humanitarian, emotional support

Tone: earnest

Origin & History

From the kanji 救 (kyuu/suku, to save/rescue), which depicts a hand reaching out to help. An ancient verb rooted in the concept of extending aid to those in need.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal