noun
something to rely on; aid; clue; means
Formal or literary term for a thing, fact, or connection that provides support, guidance, or a way forward. Often used in phrases like よすがを求める or よすがとする.
彼は古い手紙をよすがに、昔の友人を探した。
He searched for his old friend, using the old letter as a clue.
孤独な日々の中で、読書だけが心のよすがだった。
In those lonely days, reading was the only thing I could rely on for comfort.
noun
someone to rely on; relative
Formal or literary term for a person who provides emotional or practical support, often a relative or close connection. Less common than sense 1.
身寄りのない彼女にとって、叔母だけが唯一のよすがだった。
For her, who had no other family, her aunt was the only person she could rely on.
noun
Formal or literary term for an object or memory that serves as a reminder of someone or something, often with emotional significance. Can overlap with sense 1 when the object provides comfort or guidance.
祖母の形見の指輪が、彼女との思い出のよすがとなっている。
The ring left by my grandmother serves as a memento of my memories with her.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the word is native Japanese and the kanji 縁, 因, 便 are used for their associated meanings rather than reflecting a clear historical origin.