Translation guide
The English word "support" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical holding to emotional encouragement, financial help, and backing an idea. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on the nuance. This guide breaks down the main uses for learners.
To encourage, comfort, or stand by someone emotionally.
Literally 'to support' in a broad sense, including emotional support. Often used for supporting someone through difficult times.
友達が私を支えてくれた。
My friend supported me (emotionally).
Means 'emotional support' or 'a source of emotional strength'. Often used for a person or thing that gives you strength.
家族が心の支えです。
My family is my emotional support.
To encourage or cheer someone up. More active than just being there.
落ち込んでいる友達を励ました。
I encouraged my friend who was feeling down.
To cheer for, root for, or support someone's efforts. Often used in sports or when someone is trying to achieve something.
試験に合格できるように応援しています。
I'm rooting for you to pass the exam.
To provide money, resources, or practical help.
General term for providing support, often financial or logistical. Used for aid, assistance, backing.
政府は被災地を支援した。
The government supported the disaster area.
To give aid or assistance, often financial or material. Slightly more formal than 支援.
彼は経済的に家族を援助している。
He supports his family financially.
To support financially. Literally 'support economically'.
彼女はアルバイトで家計を経済的に支えている。
She supports the household finances with her part-time job.
To support a family or dependents by providing for their needs. Implies long-term care.
To hold something up, prevent from falling, or bear weight.
General term for physically supporting something. Also used metaphorically.
この柱が屋根を支えている。
This pillar supports the roof.
To hold or carry. Can be used when physically supporting something with your hands.
荷物を持ってあげようか？
Shall I support your luggage? (hold it for you)
Also used for supporting a person physically, like helping someone walk.
To agree with, back, or endorse a proposal, candidate, or opinion.
To support in the sense of endorsing or backing a person, policy, or idea. Common in politics and opinions.
私はその計画を支持します。
I support that plan.
To agree with or be in favor of a proposal. Often used in voting or discussions.
その意見に賛成です。
I support that opinion. (I agree with it.)
To side with or take someone's side. More personal than 支持.
私はいつも君の味方だ。
I'll always support you. (I'm on your side.)
To provide help with technology, systems, or customer service.
Loanword from English, widely used for technical support, customer support, etc.
テクニカルサポートに電話した。
I called technical support.
To handle or deal with (a problem, inquiry). Often used in customer support contexts.
サポートチームが問題に対応します。
The support team will handle the issue.
To provide evidence or reasons that back up a statement.
To support or corroborate with evidence. Often used in formal or academic contexts.
データがその仮説を裏付けている。
The data supports the hypothesis.
Can also be used metaphorically for evidence supporting an argument.
支える (sasaeru) is the most general and can be used for physical, emotional, or abstract support. 支援する (shien suru) is specifically for providing aid, often financial or logistical. 支持する (shiji suru) is for endorsing or backing an idea, person, or policy.
In many situations, Japanese uses more specific verbs. For example, 'I support you' emotionally might be 応援する (ouen suru) or 味方する (mikata suru), not just 支える. Consider the nuance.
彼は大家族を養っている。
He supports a large family.
けがをした人を支えて歩いた。
I supported the injured person and walked.
この証拠が彼の主張を支えている。
This evidence supports his claim.