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
裏付ける
うらづける (uradukeru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "support" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 支える and 裏付ける.
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, 裏付ける (うらづける (uradukeru)) maps to "to support, to substantiate" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "裏付ける"
毎日、日本語を練習するために裏付ける。
Every day, I support, to substantiate to practice Japanese.
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.". "裏付ける" represents "to support, to substantiate".