Translation guide
A person or organization that supports another person, project, or cause, often financially.
Someone who provides money for a business, project, or creative work.
General term for a supporter, often financial. Neutral and widely used.
Someone who believes in and advocates for a person or cause, not necessarily with money.
General term for a supporter or advocate. Works for political, personal, or ideological backing.
A person who pledges money to a specific campaign, often online.
Same as above, but commonly used in crowdfunding contexts. Often seen on platforms like Kickstarter.
支援者 (shiensha) implies tangible support, often financial or material. 支持者 (shijisha) implies agreement or advocacy, not necessarily money. Use 支援者 for backers of a project, 支持者 for backers of a person or idea.
彼は資金面での支援者だ。
He is a financial backer.
彼女は私の考えの支持者だ。
She is a backer of my ideas.
The English word 'backer' does not have a single perfect equivalent. Using バッカー outside of crowdfunding may sound unnatural. Choose the term based on the type of support.
彼はこのプロジェクトの主要な支援者です。
He is a major backer of this project.
Specifically an investor or financial contributor. Common in business contexts.
新しいスタートアップには数人の出資者がいる。
The new startup has several backers.
Patron or sponsor, often for events, arts, or individuals. Slightly formal.
展覧会は多くの後援者のおかげで成功した。
The exhibition succeeded thanks to many backers.
Loanword from English, used for commercial sponsors. Common in media and events.
この番組は複数のスポンサーによって支えられている。
This program is supported by multiple backers.
She has many backers.
Refers to a person or group providing backing or influence, often in a protective sense. Slightly formal.
彼は有力な後ろ盾を得て政界に入った。
He entered politics with a powerful backer.
Ally or person on one's side. More about loyalty than financial support. Casual.
彼はいつも私の味方だ。
He's always my backer.
このプロジェクトは500人の支援者から資金を集めた。
This project raised funds from 500 backers.
Direct loanword used specifically in crowdfunding. Common among younger, tech-savvy speakers.
クラウドファンディングで多くのバッカーが集まった。
Many backers gathered through crowdfunding.