Translation guide
The word 'supporting' is used in English to describe a role that provides help, backing, or reinforcement, often in a secondary capacity. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases depending on the context, such as supporting a main actor, a supporting argument, or a supporting role in a project.
Describing a secondary role that assists or complements the main role, especially in performances or projects.
Refers to a supporting role or character in a play, movie, or story. It is the most common term for a secondary performer.
彼はその映画で脇役を演じた。
He played a supporting role in that movie.
Literally 'supporting performance', used for acting roles that support the lead. Often seen in credits.
助演女優賞を受賞した。
She won the award for best supporting actress.
A loanword from English 'support' plus 役 (role). Used in both entertainment and general contexts for a supportive role.
彼はチームのサポート役に徹した。
He dedicated himself to a supporting role in the team.
Providing backing or justification for a claim, theory, or idea.
Means supporting evidence or backing. Used to describe data or facts that support a statement.
この理論には十分な裏付けがない。
This theory lacks sufficient supporting evidence.
Verb meaning 'to support' an idea or person. Can be used in the progressive form 支持している for 'supporting'.
彼の意見を支持する証拠は多い。
There is a lot of evidence supporting his opinion.
Means reinforcement or strengthening, often used for supporting an argument with additional points.
Providing help, encouragement, or assistance to a person.
Means to support emotionally or physically. Often used for long-term support, like family or friends.
家族がいつも私を支えてくれた。
My family has always been supporting me.
Means to cheer on or support, often in a more active or vocal way, like at a sports event or during a challenge.
友達が応援してくれて嬉しい。
I'm happy that my friends are supporting (cheering for) me.
Loanword from English, widely used for providing support in various contexts, including emotional and practical help.
彼女はいつも私の仕事をサポートしてくれる。
She always supports my work.
Physically holding up or bearing weight, or metaphorically providing a base.
Refers to structural support, like beams or pillars. Also used metaphorically for backing.
この柱が屋根を支持している。
This pillar is supporting the roof.
Same verb as emotional support, but used for physical support as well.
支える (sasaeru) is a native Japanese word with a nuance of steady, often emotional or physical support over time. サポートする (sapōto suru) is a loanword that feels more casual and is used in a wide range of contexts, including technical support or team assistance.
English often uses the gerund 'supporting' as an adjective (e.g., 'supporting actor'). In Japanese, this is usually expressed with a noun like 脇役 (supporting role) or a relative clause. Do not try to directly translate the -ing form.
We need data to support (reinforce) the argument.
壁が天井を支えている。
The walls are supporting the ceiling.