助け舟 たすけぶね lifeboat #25,360 Meanings also 助け船 noun lifeboat friend in need; helping hand; timely help Its kanji 助 ジョ · たす.ける、たす.かる、す.ける、すけ help, rescue, assist 舟 シュウ · ふね、ふな-、-ぶね boat, ship