Translation and Meaning of: 支える - sasaeru

The Japanese word 支える [ささえる] carries a deep and versatile meaning, present both in everyday life and in more philosophical contexts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses, as well as how it connects with cultural values of Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding 支える will enrich your vocabulary and your perception of Japanese communication.

Meaning and translation of 支える

The verb 支える[ささえる] can be translated as "to support," "to sustain," or "to back," in both physical and emotional senses. It is used to describe everything from a column that supports a building to the support given to someone in difficult times. This duality between the concrete and the abstract makes the word frequently used in different situations.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find examples like "橋を支える柱" (the pillar that supports the bridge) or "家族を支える" (to support the family). The flexibility of 支える allows it to appear in everyday conversations as well as in more formal speeches, highlighting its importance in the language.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 支 is composed of the radical 十 (ten) and 又 (hand), suggesting the idea of distributing or dividing a weight. This image reinforces the concept of support, as sustaining something often involves sharing the load. The reading ささえる is one of the kun'yomi (Japanese reading) of the character, while the on'yomi (Chinese reading) is "shi," as in 支持[しじ] (support).

It is worth noting that 支える is not a rare or archaic verb. On the contrary, it frequently appears in newspapers, books, and even in song lyrics, demonstrating its relevance in the modern language. Its use refers to a culture that values interdependence and teamwork.

Cultural and philosophical use

In Japan, the idea of "support" goes beyond the literal meaning. 支える is connected to values such as 絆[きずな] (bonds) and 協力[きょうりょく] (cooperation). In companies, for example, it is common to hear phrases like "互いに支え合う" (supporting each other), reflecting the importance of the collective. This cultural aspect makes the word more than just a simple verb – it carries a worldview.

Additionally, 支える appears in contexts of resilience and perseverance. Expressions like "夢を支える力" (the strength that supports a dream) show how the term is used to describe deep motivations. Those who study Japanese can benefit from observing these usages, as they reveal nuances that go beyond direct translation.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 支える

• 支える - Positive form present affirmative te-form
• 支えよう - Positive volitional affirmative future form
• 支えました - Polished affirmative past positive form
• 支えない - Negative form present affirmative te-form
• 支えたい - Positive form present volitional affirmative
• 支えられる - Passive form present affirmative

Synonyms and similar words

• 支援する (shien suru) - Action of supporting or helping in general, often used in formal or organizational contexts.
• 支持する (shiji suru) - Support or backing, usually in relation to an opinion or cause; indicates a political or emotional endorsement.
• サポートする (sapōto suru) - Support, usually used in informal or technical contexts, such as in technical or emotional support.
• 援助する (enjō suru) - Assistance, especially in contexts of humanitarian aid or financial support.
• 応援する (ōen suru) - Cheering or support in specific situations, such as sporting events or performances; implies encouragement.

支える

Romaji: sasaeru
Kana: ささえる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: support; to propose

Meaning in English: to support;to prop

Definition: Lifting things from below.

Example Sentences - (支える) sasaeru

See below some example sentences:

根は樹木の命を支える重要な部分です。

Ne wa jumoku no inochi wo sasaeru juuyou na bubun desu

Roots are an important part that sustains the life of trees.

The root is an important part that supports the life of a tree.

• 根 - root
• は - Topic particle
• 樹木 - tree
• の - Possession particle
• 命 - life
• を - direct object particle
• 支える - to support
• 重要な - important
• 部分 - part
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

身近な人たちは私の支えです。

Mijikai na hitotachi wa watashi no sasae desu

The close people are my support.

People close to me are my support.

• 身近な人たち - close people
• は - Topic particle
• 私の - my
• 支え - Apoio, suporte
• です - is

私たちはお互いを支え合って生きていく必要がある。

Watashitachi wa otagai o sasaete ikiteiku hitsuyou ga aru

We need to live supporting each other.

We need to support each other and live.

• 私たちは - We
• お互いを - each other
• 支え合って - supporting each other
• 生きていく - live
• 必要がある - Is required

宗教は人々の信仰と精神的な支えです。

Shūkyō wa hitobito no shin'kō to seishinteki na sasaedeshi

Religion is the religion and mental support of the people.

• 宗教 - Religion
• は - Topic particle
• 人々 - people
• の - Possession particle
• 信仰 - Faith
• と - connecting particle
• 精神的な - spiritual
• 支え - support
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

私の親友はいつも私を支えてくれます。

Watashi no shinyuu wa itsumo watashi o sasaete kuremasu

My best friend always supports me.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• の (no) - possession particle, indicating that "watashi" is the possessor
• 親友 (shin'yuu) - means "best friend" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle, indicating that "shin'yuu" is the subject of the sentence
• いつも (itsumo) - means "always" in Japanese
• 私を (watashi wo) - "wo" is a direct object particle, indicating that "watashi" is the object of the sentence
• 支えてくれます (sasaete kuremasu) - "sasaete" means "to support", "kuremasu" is a polite form of "kureru", which means "to do for someone". Together, they mean "to do for someone the act of supporting", indicating that "shin'yuu" always supports "watashi".