輔
help
Readings
On'yomi
- ホ
- フ
Kun'yomi
- たす.ける
Nanori
- すけ
- たすく
- ゆう
Meaning
輔 centers on providing support or assistance, like a reinforcing part that helps something function. The core idea is help, often in a structural or complementary role.
Most common words using 輔
- 大輔たいふ
vice-minister (ritsuryō system); deputy minister
- 大輔だゆう
vice-minister (Meiji period); undersecretary
- 唇歯輔車しんしほしゃ
mutual dependence
- 少輔しょう
assistant vice-minister (ritsuryō system, early Meiji period)
- 輔弼ほひつ
giving the Emperor advice on affairs of state; assistance; counsel
- 輔星ほせい
Alcor; the Little Horseman star
- 輔翼ほよく
aid; assistance
- 輔車唇歯ほしゃしんし
mutual dependence
- 輔車相依るほしゃあいよる
to be mutually dependent
Study
Etymology
輔 combines 車 (vehicle, cart) with 甫, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of support or reinforcement. The character originally referred to the side supports of a cart that help keep it stable.
Meaning mnemonic
A cart (車) needs extra support (甫) to stay steady. Think of the wooden braces on an old cart that help it carry heavy loads without breaking.
Reading mnemonic
For ホ, imagine a helpful person holding (ホールド, hold) the cart steady. The 'ho' in 'hold' cues ホ, and the helper supports the cart.