noun
General term for help or a person who helps. Often used in compounds or as a suffix, e.g. 助っ人 (すけっと).
彼はいつも私の助になってくれる。
He always helps me out.
この仕事には助が必要だ。
This job needs an extra pair of hands.
noun
Colloquial, somewhat dated slang for a young woman. Can sound rough or objectifying; use with caution.
あのすけ、なかなかかわいいじゃん。
That chick is pretty cute, huh.
The kanji 助 means 'help' or 'assist'. The reading すけ is a native Japanese word for assistance or a helper. The slang sense likely developed from the idea of a 'helper' or 'companion'.