Meaning and Usage
"援助" (えんじょ) means assistance, aid, or support, often used in contexts involving help given to people, organizations, or countries in need. It can refer to financial, material, or moral support.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in formal or official contexts such as government aid, disaster relief, or international assistance. It is less common in casual conversation unless discussing serious support or help.
Collocations and Patterns
- 援助を提供する: to provide aid
- 経済的援助: financial support
- 国際援助: international aid
- 援助を受ける: to receive aid
These collocations highlight how "援助" is often paired with verbs like 提供する (to provide) or 受ける (to receive), and with adjectives specifying the type of aid.
Nuances and Tips
Using "援助" implies a formal or structured kind of help, often organized or official. It is different from casual help like "手伝う" (to help) or "助ける" (to save/rescue). Learners should avoid confusing "援助" with everyday help and reserve it for more serious or institutional contexts.