Meaning
The N3 kanji 救 (kyū, sukuu) represents the core concepts of "rescue," "save," and "help." When you see 救, imagine someone extending a hand to assist. This character is strongly associated with emergencies, aid, and compassionate action. It describes the act of delivering someone or something from danger or difficulty—whether saving a life, providing relief supplies, or helping someone out of a tough situation. Its essence lies in active intervention to alleviate suffering or prevent harm.
Its visual components help in understanding its origins. The left side, 求 (きゅう, もとめる), means "to seek," "to request," or "to demand." Originally, it depicted a fur garment, signifying something valuable or desired. Over time, its meaning shifted to represent the act of seeking or pursuing. The right side is 攵 (ぼくづくり), a variant of the radical 攴, meaning "to strike" or "to act." This radical is often associated with action, particularly involving a hand or a tool.
Combining "to seek" (求) with "to act" (攵) reveals the core meaning: to seek out someone in need and take action to save or help them. This isn't passive seeking; it's active intervention. Imagine someone actively looking for a person in distress and then taking the necessary steps—perhaps extending a hand or using a tool—to pull them out of danger. This proactive, helpful response to distress is the essence of 救.
With 11 strokes, this kanji is taught in Grade 4 of Japanese elementary school. It's a foundational character, essential for grasping broader concepts like social responsibility, crisis management, and humanitarian efforts. A good understanding of 救 will significantly enhance your comprehension of many Japanese expressions related to aid and emergencies.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi reading for 救 is キュウ (kyuu). This reading comes from the original Chinese pronunciation and is typically used within compound words, especially in formal or abstract contexts. You'll often see it in terms related to public services, emergency situations, systematic relief efforts, or medical assistance, conveying a sense of official or organized action.
- 救急 (kyūkyū) — emergency, first aid. This is a very common word you'll hear for ambulances, emergency rooms, or urgent situations. For example, 救急車 (kyūkyūsha) is an ambulance.
- 救助 (kyūjo) — rescue, relief. Often used for saving people from accidents, disasters, or dangerous situations through direct action, like search and rescue operations.
- 救済 (kyūsai) — relief, aid, salvation. This term often refers to providing assistance to those suffering from poverty, disaster, or other hardships. It carries a broader societal, economic, or even spiritual connotation, implying a long-term solution or deliverance.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi reading for 救 is すく(う) (suku(u)). This native Japanese verb means "to save," "to rescue," "to help out," or "to deliver." As a transitive verb, it always takes a direct object (e.g., whom or what you are saving). You'll use this reading when describing a direct action of saving or helping someone or something.
- 救う (sukuu) — to save, to rescue. This is the plain form of the verb, used when you are directly performing the act of saving.
- 命を救う (inochi o sukuu) — to save a life. A common and crucially important expression you'll encounter and use.
- 貧しい人々を救う (mazushii hitobito o sukuu) — to save poor people, to help the disadvantaged. This highlights the humanitarian aspect of the kanji.
- 救い (sukui) — salvation, help, relief (noun). This is the nominalized form of the verb, often used to refer to the act or state of being saved, or the help itself. For example, "It was my only hope/salvation."
Common Words & Compounds
This section presents some useful words and compounds that use the kanji 救. You'll frequently encounter these terms in news, daily conversations, and official documents, particularly when discussing helping others or emergency situations. Learning them will provide a strong basis for understanding and discussing crucial topics in Japanese.
Emergency & Medical Aid:
- 救急車 (kyūkyūsha) — ambulance. This is a crucial word for emergencies in Japan. When immediate medical help is needed, you call for a 救急車.
- 救急隊 (kyūkyūtai) — emergency response team, rescue squad. These are the personnel who arrive in the 救急車 or at disaster sites to provide urgent assistance.
- 救命 (kyūmei) — lifesaving. Often seen in contexts like lifesaving equipment (救命具) or actions (救命措置 - lifesaving measures).
- 救命胴衣 (kyūmeitōi) — life vest, life jacket. Essential safety gear for water activities, literally "lifesaving body-clothing."
- 救急箱 (kyūkyūbako) — first aid kit. This is what you would use for minor injuries or keep ready for emergencies at home or while traveling.
Disaster & Social Relief:
- 救援 (kyūen) — relief, aid. This term is broad, covering both material and human assistance, often in disaster zones or for communities in crisis.
- 救援物資 (kyūen busshi) — relief supplies. Goods such as food, water, blankets, and medicine sent to help those affected by disasters or conflicts.
- 救貧 (kyūhin) — poverty relief. Efforts, policies, or organizations aimed at alleviating poverty and assisting the poor.
- 被災者救済 (hisaisha kyūsai) — disaster victim relief. Specific aid and measures provided for those affected by natural disasters, encompassing everything from shelter to psychological support.
Action & General Terms:
- 救出 (kyūshutsu) — rescue, extrication. Often used when someone is pulled out of a particularly dangerous or confined situation, like from a collapsed building, a car wreck, or a burning structure.
- 救世主 (kyūseishu) — savior, messiah. A person or thing that saves someone or something from a difficult situation, sometimes used metaphorically for someone who provides a much-needed solution.
- 救い主 (sukuinushi) — savior (using the native Japanese reading). Similar to 救世主 but often with a slightly more direct or personal feel, emphasizing the one who provides salvation.
- 救世軍 (Kyūseigun) — The Salvation Army. A well-known international charitable organization that provides social aid.
Example Sentences
困っている人を救うのは大切なことです。
Komatteiru hito o sukuu no wa taisetsu na koto desu.
It is important to save people in need.
事故現場にはすぐに救急車が来ました。
Jiko genba ni wa sugu ni kyūkyūsha ga kimashita.
An ambulance immediately came to the accident scene.
災害の後、多くの人々が救援物資を送りました。
Saigai no ato, ooku no hitobito ga kyūen busshi o okurimashita.
After the disaster, many people sent relief supplies.
彼は溺れている子供を救出しました。
Kare wa oboreteiru kodomo o kyūshutsu shimashita.
He rescued the drowning child.
医療従事者は患者の命を救うために働いています。
Iryō jūjisha wa kanja no inochi o sukuu tame ni hataraiteimasu.
Medical professionals work to save patients' lives.
貧困からの救済は世界中の課題です。
Hinkon kara no kyūsai wa sekaijū no kadai desu.
Relief from poverty is a global challenge.
彼女の言葉が私にとって唯一の救いでした。
Kanojo no kotoba ga watashi ni totte yuiitsu no sukui deshita.
Her words were my only salvation/help.
消防隊が建物に取り残された人々を救助しました。
Shōbōtai ga tatemono ni torinokosareta hitobito o kyūjo shimashita.
The fire department rescued the people trapped in the building.
彼はチームの危機を救うヒーローになりました。
Kare wa chīmu no kiki o sukuu hīrō ni narimashita.
He became the hero who saved the team from crisis.
Memory Tip
To remember 救, focus on its two main components. The left part, 求 (もとめる), means "to seek" or "to request." Imagine someone desperately seeking help, perhaps with outstretched arms. The right part, 攵 (ぼくづくり), is a variant of 攴, which often means "to strike" or "to act." Picture someone acting decisively—reaching out a hand or using a tool—to intervene and answer that plea. This fusion of "seeking" and "acting" perfectly captures the essence of "rescue" or "save."