How to say "Support" in Japanese

When translating "support" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 支える and 支援する. 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, 支援する (しえんする (shien suru)) maps to "to support; to assist; to aid" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 「助ける」や「手伝う」よりもフォーマルな言葉で、個人や組織、活動などに対して大きな援助や協力を行う場合によく使われます。. A literal translation of "support" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!