How to Write 助 (zhù) — Meaning “help; assist”

Imagine a strong arm (力) holding up a heavy table (且 looks like a table with legs). That picture of giving physical support helps you remember that 助 means 'to help' or 'assist'.

Write the left part 且 first: start with a vertical stroke, then three horizontal strokes, and finish with another vertical. Then add the right part 力: a horizontal hook followed by a left-falling stroke. Keep 且 narrow and 力 slightly smaller so they fit together neatly.

Visually, 助 has 且 on the left and 力 on the right, while 功 has 工 (work) on the left and 力 on the right, and 加 has 力 on the left and 口 (mouth) on the right. In meaning, 助 is 'help', 功 is 'achievement', and 加 is 'add' – so they are used in different contexts.

助 is very common in everyday words like 帮助 (bāngzhù, to help) and 助手 (zhùshǒu, assistant). It also appears in terms like 互助 (hùzhù, mutual aid), which reflects the Chinese cultural value of community support and cooperation.

Common words containing 助 include: 帮助 (bāng zhù) — To help; assistance.; 助手 (zhù shǒu) — assistant; 互助 (hù zhù) — Mutual aid..