1.
mutual aid; helping each other; cooperation
The act of people helping one another, especially in difficult times. Emphasizes reciprocity and community spirit.
助け合いの精神が大切だ。
The spirit of mutual aid is important.
災害時には地域の助け合いが必要だ。
Mutual help in the community is needed during disasters.
隣近所の助け合いのおかげで、高齢者も安心して暮らせる。
Thanks to mutual help among neighbors, elderly people can live with peace of mind.
助け合い is the noun form of the reciprocal verb 助け合う (to help each other). It emphasizes mutual, two-way support.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 助け合いの精神: spirit of mutual aid
- 助け合いの心: heart of mutual help
- 地域の助け合い: community mutual aid
- 助け合いの関係: a relationship of mutual support
CULTURAL NOTE:
A core concept in Japanese community life, especially emphasized during natural disasters. 共助 (mutual assistance) is a related formal term used in disaster preparedness contexts, distinguishing it from 自助 (self-help) and 公助 (public assistance).
RELATED:
- 助け合う: to help each other (verb)
- 協力: cooperation (more general)