助け合い
Meanings
1
cooperation; mutual aid; helping each other
Emphasizes reciprocal assistance, often in community, workplace, or survival contexts. The compound 助け合い is more concrete and action-oriented than abstract 協力.
In times of disaster, mutual aid among neighbors is important.
This project succeeded thanks to everyone's cooperation.
Usage patterns
- 助け合いの精神the spirit of mutual aid
This town has a deep-rooted spirit of mutual aid.
- 〈人〉と助け合いをするto help each other with someone
I help out and support my neighbors, and they help me in return.
- 助け合いの輪を広げるto expand the network/circle of mutual aid
We want to expand the circle of mutual aid within the community.
- 助け合いの心を育てるto foster a spirit of helping one another
I want to foster in children a spirit of helping one another.