aider
/ɛ.de/
To help in French is to say aider.
The verb aider is used to describe giving support or assistance to someone so they can achieve a goal. You can also use the related noun aide to mean 'help' or 'assistance'.
Which one should you use?
While aider is used for general assistance, it is more formal or general than secourir, which specifically refers to rescuing someone or coming to their aid in a life-threatening situation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the informal phrase T'as-tu besoin d'aide? is used to mean 'Do you need help?'
How does it change in a sentence?
aider is a transitive verb that takes a direct object, meaning you do not use a preposition like à or de before the person being helped (for example, aider quelqu'un). However, when aider is followed by another action, it is followed by the preposition à and an infinitive, such as aider à cuisiner (to help to cook).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of aider is /ɛ.de/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, the phrase coup de main literally means 'a blow of the hand' but is used as a common idiom for giving a quick bit of help.
- In historical French contexts, an aide could refer to a specific type of tax granted to a monarch to help fund a war.
- The French phrase s'entraider describes a specific type of help where people support each other mutually, a concept often translated as 'mutual aid'.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, puis-je vous aider avec vos bagages?Excuse me, can I help you with your luggage?
- Je serais ravi de vous aider à préparer cette présentation.I would be delighted to help you prepare this presentation.
- Tu veux que je t'aide avec tes devoirs?Do you want me to help you with your homework?
- Pas de souci, je vais t'aider à déménager ce week-end!No worries, I'll help you move this weekend!
- T'as-tu besoin d'aide pour préparer le souper?Do you need help preparing dinner?
- J'peux-tu t'aider avec ton projet d'école?Can I help you with your school project?
- Je peux t'aider à faire tes devoirs.I can help you do your homework.
- Elle veut aider son frère à trouver un travail.She wants to help her brother find a job.
- Nous allons aider ce groupe à réussir le projet.We are going to help this group succeed in the project.
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are in the kitchen preparing for a dinner party.
- ManonHugo, tu peux m'aider à préparer le dîner ?Hugo, can you help me prepare dinner?
- HugoBien sûr, je vais t'aider avec les légumes.Of course, I will help you with the vegetables.
- ManonC'est très gentil de ta part, merci.That is very kind of you, thank you.
- HugoDe rien, on va finir rapidement.You're welcome, we'll finish quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aider, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
