支援者(しえんしゃ)

A compound of 支援(しえん) (support, assistance) and 者(しゃ) (person). This word appears frequently in news reporting about politics, charity, disaster relief, and social movements.

The term is versatile: it can refer to political supporters, financial backers, humanitarian aid workers, or anyone who offers help to a cause or person in need.

Common collocations

• 支援者(しえんしゃ)を募(つの)る: to seek supporters
• 支援者(しえんしゃ)に感謝(かんしゃ)する: to thank supporters
• 熱心(ねっしん)な支援者(しえんしゃ): enthusiastic supporter
• 海外(かいがい)の支援者(しえんしゃ): overseas supporters

Similar words

• 支持者(しじしゃ): supporter, advocate — emphasizes ideological or political backing rather than material assistance
• 後援者(こうえんしゃ): patron, sponsor — implies financial or organizational backing, often for arts, events, or campaigns
• 援助者(えんじょしゃ): helper, aid giver — emphasizes the act of giving aid, often in humanitarian contexts
• 応援者(おうえんしゃ): cheerer, supporter — more informal; includes fans and those who offer moral support