支える

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 支える (ささえる) is a transitive verb for physically bearing weight or sustaining a person through an activity.
• Basic usage: 屋根を支えている describes pillars continuously bearing a roof’s weight, while 治療を支えた describes family encouragement sustaining someone through long treatment.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Continuing support and completed assistance
  • 支えている is a continuing physical support state, whereas 支えた presents assistance over a treatment period as past. Both mark what is supported with を.