Translation and Meaning of: 助け - tasuke

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 助け (tasuke) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: tasuke

Kana: たすけ

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n1

助け

Translation / Meaning: assistance

Meaning in English: assistance

Definition: To support and help people and things in need.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (助け) tasuke

The Japanese word 「助け」 (tasuke) is commonly used in everyday life to indicate "help" or "assistance." The expression is formed by the kanji 「助」 which means "to help," "to assist," "to support," or "to aid." The reading of the kanji in on pronunciation, which is of Chinese origin, is "jo," while the kun reading, of Japanese origin, is "tasuke." This kanji is frequently used in contexts involving someone assisting or providing support to another person.

Observing the etymology of the word, the character 「助」 is composed of two elements: the radical 「力」 (chikara), which represents "strength," "power," or "capacity," and the radical 「且」 which suggests an idea of "putting on top," "adding." Together, these radicals express the idea of 'added strength' or 'offering assistance.' It's fascinating how even in the development of its characters, the Japanese language translates deep concepts into such small spaces.

The origin of this term dates back to its ancestral use in Japanese society, where cooperation and mutual assistance were necessary to face daily challenges, such as in rice planting or village construction. 「助け」 can appear in various forms of verbs and nouns, such as 「助ける」 (tasukeru, a verb that means "to help"; "to save"), 「助け合い」 (tasukeai, "mutual exchange of help/assistance") and 「助け舟」 (tasukebune, "opportune help", literally "boat of help").

In contemporary use, you can hear 「助けて!」 (tasukete!), a common expression that means "help!" or "assist me!", often used in emergency contexts. This variation in the application of the word helps illustrate the flexibility of the Japanese language in adapting old words to new situations while preserving their historical and cultural roots.

Synonyms and similar words

救い (sukui) - Salvation, spiritual help.
手助け (tedasuke) - Support or practical help with a task.
援助 (enjo) - Support or assistance, often in crisis situations.
支援 (shien) - Support, usually in organizational or financial contexts.
救済 (kyūsai) - Rescue or relief provided in emergency situations.
救援 (kyūen) - Rescue, the action of saving people in danger.
救助 (kyūjo) - Action of helping someone, especially in emergency situations.
救護 (kyūgo) - Care provided to the injured or sick.
救出 (kyūshutsu) - Liberation, the act of rescuing someone from a dangerous situation.
救命 (kyūmei) - Save lives, common in medical or emergency contexts.
救済措置 (kyūsai sochi) - Relief or assistance measures.
救済策 (kyūsai saku) - Relief or assistance strategies.
救済金 (kyūsai kin) - Funds allocated for assistance in emergency situations.
救済活動 (kyūsai katsudō) - Activities focused on assistance and support.
救済団体 (kyūsai dantai) - Organizations dedicated to providing help.
救済事業 (kyūsai jigyō) - Aid and relief projects.
救済組織 (kyūsai soshiki) - Organizational structures for assistance.
救済プログラム (kyūsai puroguramu) - Structured programs to help people in need.
救済サービス (kyūsai sābisu) - Services aimed at providing assistance.
救済政策 (kyūsai seisaku) - Policies aimed at relief and social assistance.