1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “助” (pronounced “jo” or “suke”) means “to help” or “to assist.” It conveys the idea of providing support or aid to someone in need.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “助” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “to help” with phonetic elements that suggest its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “助” is “助” itself, which is often associated with the concept of assistance or help.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “助” are:
- 助ける (たすける, tasukeru) – to help
- 助言 (じょげん, jogen) – advice
- 助成金 (じょせいきん, joseikin) – subsidy
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はいつも私を助けてくれます。 (かれはいつもわたしをたすけてくれます。) – He always helps me.
- 助けが必要ですか？ (たすけがひつようですか？) – Do you need help?
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “援” (えん, en), which also means “to assist” but is often used in more formal contexts.
Opposite Kanji: The kanji “妨” (ぼう, bou) means “to hinder” or “to obstruct,” which is the opposite of helping.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of helping others is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, emphasizing community and support.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “助け合い” (たすけあい, tasukeai), which means “helping each other,” reflecting the importance of mutual assistance in society.