synonym Comparative
助ける
VS
差し伸べる
Differences Between "助ける" and "差し伸べる"
Option A
助ける
Meaning
to save; to rescue; to help; to assist; to support
Reading
たすける (tasukeru)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
海で溺れかけていた子供を発見した救助隊員は、荒波の中に果敢に飛び込んで無事にその命を_______。
The rescue team member who discovered the child about to drown in the sea boldly jumped into the rough waves and successfully saved his life.
Option B
差し伸べる
Meaning
to hold out, to extend (a hand, help)
Reading
さしのべる (sashinoberu)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
困っている人に手を差し伸べるのは大切なことだ。
It is important to offer a helping hand to those in need.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to save; to rescue; to help; to assist; to support)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 助ける: Refers to actively saving someone from danger, helping someone with their work/trouble, or supporting someone's growth. Transitive verb. Opposing word: 助かる. Often used as 人を助ける or 仕事を助ける. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To save! "I will always rescue you from any trouble, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To suggest rescuing me! B-Baka! Don't act like a knight in shining armor! I... I am the boss, so I should be the one saving you! But... since you are so reliable, I suppose... I will let you protect me forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『たすける（助ける）よ！『ハルカ部長がピンチの時は、どんな困難が立ち塞がろうとも、僕が命をかけてあなたを助けに駆けつけます！』って…っ！命がけで助ける！バカ！/// カッコいい王子様みたいなセリフ言うんじゃないの！…でも、その不器用で頑固な優しさ、本当は涙が出るほど嬉しいんだから…一生私の隣で私を守り続けなさい！』
- 差し伸べる: Often used with 手 (te) meaning to offer help or assistance to someone in need. Implies reaching out literally (a hand) or figuratively (help, support). 例: 困っている人に手を差し伸べる (to offer a helping hand to someone in trouble).
- 助ける: Refers to actively saving someone from danger, helping someone with their work/trouble, or supporting someone's growth. Transitive verb. Opposing word: 助かる. Often used as 人を助ける or 仕事を助ける. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To save! "I will always rescue you from any trouble, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To suggest rescuing me! B-Baka! Don't act like a knight in shining armor! I... I am the boss, so I should be the one saving you! But... since you are so reliable, I suppose... I will let you protect me forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『たすける（助ける）よ！『ハルカ部長がピンチの時は、どんな困難が立ち塞がろうとも、僕が命をかけてあなたを助けに駆けつけます！』って…っ！命がけで助ける！バカ！/// カッコいい王子様みたいなセリフ言うんじゃないの！…でも、その不器用で頑固な優しさ、本当は涙が出るほど嬉しいんだから…一生私の隣で私を守り続けなさい！』
- 差し伸べる: Often used with 手 (te) meaning to offer help or assistance to someone in need. Implies reaching out literally (a hand) or figuratively (help, support). 例: 困っている人に手を差し伸べる (to offer a helping hand to someone in trouble).
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