Japanese symbol for “rescue”
救う
すくう
Romaji: sukuu
to rescue (someone); to save; to help (out of a difficulty); to relieve (from)
In Japanese, rescue is 救う, read すくう (sukuu).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- v5u, vt to rescue (someone); to save; to help (out of a difficulty); to relieve (from)
- v5u, vt to save (spiritually); to redeem (from sin); to deliver (from suffering, distress, etc.); to bring to salvation
Written forms: 救う、済う、拯う. Readings: すくう.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “rescue”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 救出 | きゅうしゅつ kyuushutsu | rescue; extricate; reclaim |
| 救済 | きゅうさい kyuusai | relief; aid; help |
| 救助 | きゅうじょ kyuujo | relief; aid; rescue |
| 救援 | きゅうえん kyuuen | relief; rescue |
| 救い | すくい sukui | help; rescue; aid |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 救済 | きゅうさい kyuusai | relief; aid; help |
| 救助 | きゅうじょ kyuujo | relief; aid; rescue |
| 救援 | きゅうえん kyuuen | relief; rescue |
| 救い | すくい sukui | help; rescue; aid |
| 救急 | きゅうきゅう kyuukyuu | first-aid; emergency (aid) |
See also: Chinese symbol for “rescue”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.