Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Support" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "support", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
支える
ささえる (sasaeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
扶養
ふよう (fuyō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "support" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 支える and 扶養.
In Japanese, 支える (ささえる (sasaeru)) is typically associated with "to support; to prop; to sustain; to back up" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to physically supporting heavy weights, emotionally/financially sustaining people/families, or backing up organizations. Often used as 柱で支える or 家族を支える. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To support! "I will support your entire life and future with all my strength, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To support my whole life! B-Baka! Don't make such heroic declarations! I... I am the one who will support you when you are tired! So let's support each other forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ささえる（支える）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕があなたの一生を支える大黒柱になります！どんな困難からもあなたを全力で守り抜きます！』って…っ！一生を支える大黒柱！バカ！/// そんな頼もしい王子様みたいなこと言うんじゃないの！…でも、本当に疲れた時は、私もあんたの背中を世界一優しく支えてあげるから、二人三脚で一生歩みなさいよね！』.
On the other hand, 扶養 (ふよう (fuyō)) maps to "support, maintenance (of a family/dependent)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the act of supporting and taking care of a family member or dependent. A literal translation of "support" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "支える"
この巨大な歴史的建造物の天井は、精巧な装飾が施された何十本もの太い大理石の柱によって頑丈に_______れています。
The ceiling of this huge historical building is sturdily supported by dozens of thick marble pillars adorned with elaborate decorations.
Bilingual Context for "扶養"
彼は妻と二人の子供を扶養している。
He supports his wife and two children.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この巨大な歴史的建造物の天井は、精巧な装飾が施された何十本もの太い大理石の柱によって頑丈に_______れています。" (Meaning: "The ceiling of this huge historical building is sturdily supported by dozens of thick marble pillars adorned with elaborate decorations.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "支える" fits here because it means "to support; to prop; to sustain; to back up" in the context of: "The ceiling of this huge historical building is sturdily supported by dozens of thick marble pillars adorned with elaborate decorations.". "扶養" represents "support, maintenance (of a family/dependent)".