Meaning
Assist, support, aid. Often used in contexts of helping, backing up others, or offering protection or cooperation.
- 援助 — assistance, aid
- 応援 — support, cheering
- 支援 — support, backing
- 救援 — rescue, relief
援 is formed from 扌 (hand) and 袁 (phonetic element). The 扌 radical implies physical or metaphorical action using the hands. The character conveys the act of lending a hand—offering help or extending support.
チームを 援けるために 応援に 行きました。
I went to support the team.
国際支援の 必要性が 高まっている。
The need for international aid is increasing.
The on-yomi エン is commonly used in compound words like 支援 or 応援. The kun-yomi たすける is more familiar in everyday speech and conversation.