補助

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 補助 is a noun and irregular transitive verb read ほじょ, meaning assistance or support that helps a main task or movement proceed.
• Basic usage: Use 担当者が補助する when a staff member assists and 歩行を補助する手すり when a fixture supports walking.
  • 操作に慣れるまで担当者が補助します。 says that a staff member will assist until the user becomes familiar with the controls; 階段の横に歩行を補助する手すりがあります。 describes a handrail beside the stairs that supports walking.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 担当者が補助する
  • が marks the staff member as the party providing assistance.
• 操作に慣れるまで
  • まで sets becoming familiar with the controls as the endpoint of the assistance.
• 歩行を補助する手すり
  • The preceding verb phrase identifies supporting walking as the handrail's function.