Translation guide
The English word 'help' covers a wide range of situations, from asking for assistance to providing aid. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what kind of help is being given or received, and the level of formality.
The speaker needs help with a task, problem, or situation.
A direct, polite request for help. Suitable for emergencies or when you really need someone's assistance.
助けてください！財布を落としました。
Help me! I dropped my wallet.
Polite request for help with a task, often physical or collaborative. Less urgent than 助けて.
この箱を運ぶのを手伝ってください。
Please help me carry this box.
Casual, direct request for help. Used among friends or in informal situations.
助けて！宿題が多すぎる。
Help! I have too much homework.
Casual request for help with a task.
ちょっと手伝ってくれる？
Can you help me a bit?
The speaker wants to assist someone else.
Polite offer to help with a task. 'Shall I help you?'
荷物を持ちましょうか。
Shall I help you with your luggage?
Providing aid in a dangerous or critical situation.
Aiding someone in completing a job, chore, or activity.
Referring to the act or offer of assistance.
Something that improves a situation or makes something easier.
Inviting someone to take food or drink freely.
Polite phrase meaning 'please help yourself'. Often used when offering food or drinks.
お菓子をどうぞご自由に。
Please help yourself to the snacks.
Unable to stop oneself from doing something.
Grammar pattern meaning 'can't help but do'. Attach to negative stem of verb.
泣かずにはいられなかった。
I couldn't help but cry.
Expresses doing something unintentionally or despite oneself. Often used for regrettable actions.
助ける (tasukeru) implies rescuing or relieving someone from a difficult situation, while 手伝う (tetsudau) means to assist with a task, often collaboratively. Use 助ける for emergencies or serious help, and 手伝う for everyday chores or work.
彼を助けるために走った。
I ran to save him.
掃除を手伝った。
I helped with the cleaning.
助けて (tasukete) is a strong word that can sound like an emergency. For minor help, use 手伝って (tetsudatte) or other phrases to avoid sounding overly dramatic.
Polite inquiry if someone needs help, often in a more serious context.
何かお困りですか。助けが必要ですか。
Are you having trouble? Do you need help?
Casual offer to help among friends.
大変そうだね。手伝おうか。
Looks tough. Want some help?
To save, rescue, or help someone out of a difficult or dangerous situation.
彼は溺れている子供を助けた。
He saved the drowning child.
Formal term for rescue, often used by authorities or in news.
消防士が被災者を救助した。
The firefighters rescued the victims.
To help with a task, often physical or collaborative. Implies working together.
母の料理を手伝った。
I helped my mother with cooking.
Can also be used for helping with tasks, but often implies relieving a burden or difficulty.
彼の仕事を助けてあげた。
I helped him with his work (to ease his burden).
General noun for help, aid, or rescue.
助けが必要です。
I need help.
Help with a task, often used for household chores or temporary assistance.
引っ越しの手伝いを頼んだ。
I asked for help with moving.
Formal term for support or aid, often financial or institutional.
政府の援助を受ける。
Receive government aid.
To be useful, helpful, or of service. Often used for things or advice.
このアプリは本当に役に立つ。
This app is really helpful.
To be saved, helped, or relieved. Often used when something makes your life easier.
君が来てくれて助かったよ。
It was a big help that you came.
Literally 'without hesitation, please'. A warm invitation to help oneself.
遠慮なくどうぞ、たくさんありますから。
Please help yourself, there's plenty.
I couldn't help overeating.