help
N3- Onyomi
- ジョ
- Kunyomi
- たす(ける)
- Stroke count
- 7
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 助 down and you get 且 (moreover / also) — a stack of shelves piled one above another, and beside it 力 (power / strength) — an arm flexed to show its strength. Picture a figure straining to lift a weight overhead, put 助 inside it, and let that scene stand for "help" — help. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 7
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は7画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 7 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
助ける
tasukeru
to help
援助
enjo
assistance
救助
kyuujo
rescue
助けて
tasukete
help — te-form
援助した
enjoshita
plain past: did assistance
助けない
tasukenai
help — plain negative
Example sentences (5)
困っている人を助けました。
こまっている ひと を たすけました。
komatteiru hito o tasukemashita.
I helped someone who was in trouble.
日本語が下手でも、助けてくれる人はたくさんいます。
にほんご が へた で も、たすけて くれる ひと は たくさん います。
nihongo ga heta de mo, tasukete kureru hito wa takusan imasu.
Even if your Japanese is poor, there are many people who will help you.
助けてもらったときは、きちんと感謝を伝えましょう。
たすけて もらった とき は、きちんと かんしゃ を つたえましょう。
tasukete moratta toki wa, kichinto kansha o tsutaemashou.
When someone helps you, let us properly express your gratitude.
一人で悩まないで、助けを求めることも大切です。
ひとり で なやまないで、たすけ を もとめる こと も たいせつ です。
hitori de nayamanaide, tasuke o motomeru koto mo taisetsu desu.
Rather than worrying alone, asking for help is also important.
部下が困っていたら、すぐに助けるようにしています。
ぶか が こまって いたら、すぐ に たすける よう に しています。
buka ga komatte itara, sugu ni tasukeru you ni shiteimasu.
If a team member is in trouble, I make a point of helping right away.