verb / noun HSK 5
Traditional 輔
to assist · to supplement · auxiliary · assistant
Meaning
辅 means to assist, help, or support someone in their work or duties. As a noun, it refers to an assistant or auxiliary element. It often appears in formal or written contexts, particularly in compound words related to assistance, support, or supplementary roles.
Usage
辅 is rarely used alone in modern spoken Chinese. It most commonly appears in compound words like 辅导 (to tutor), 辅助 (to assist), or 相辅相成 (to complement each other). The standalone character is more literary and formal, seen primarily in written materials or official titles.
Examples
- 01他担任总理的辅佐多年。.He served as the Prime Minister's assistant for many years.
- 02这两种方法可以相辅相成。.These two methods can complement each other.
Common collocations
- 辅导员counselor; instructor
- 相辅相成to complement each other
- 辅佐to assist (a ruler or leader)
- 辅助工具auxiliary tool
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 輔 contains the cart radical 車, suggesting the idea of supporting wheels or helping a vehicle move forward, which metaphorically extends to assistance and support.