Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Support" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "support", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
支援する
しえんする (shien suru)
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 支援する and 扶養.
In Japanese, 支援する (しえんする (shien suru)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "支援する"
国連は発展途上国の教育を支援しています。
The UN supports education in developing countries.
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: "国連は発展途上国の教育を支援しています。" (Meaning: "The UN supports education in developing countries.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "支援する" fits here because it means "to support; to assist; to aid" in the context of: "The UN supports education in developing countries.". "扶養" represents "support, maintenance (of a family/dependent)".