вам потрібна допомога?
vam potribna dopomoha?
In Ukrainian, "do you need help?" is expressed as вам потрібна допомога? (vam potribna dopomoha?)
This phrase is a polite way to ask if someone requires assistance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is structured literally as to you is needed help?
Which one should you use?
You can use тобі потрібна допомога? when speaking to a single person you know well or a child. For a more casual tone among friends and acquaintances, you might use Треба допомога?
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective потрібна (potribna) is feminine and must agree with the feminine noun допомога (dopomoha).
How do you pronounce it?
vam potribna dopomoha?
Did you know?
- In Ukrainian, the word for 'help' in допомога shares a root with the word 'help' in many Slavic languages, but it also relates to the concept of 'supporting' or 'leaning' something.
- While вам потрібна допомога? is polite, if you see someone in genuine physical danger, you would scream the single word Допомога! or Рятуйте! instead.
- In a very informal setting, a person might use the word підмога instead of допомога, which specifically implies providing reinforcement or backup.
Examples in context
- Ви несете важкі сумки. Чи можу я вам допомогти?You're carrying heavy bags. Can I help you?
- Друзі планують переїзд. Треба допомога?Friends are planning to move. Do you need help?
- Треба змінити лампочку. Можу я допомогти?You need to change the lightbulb. Can I help?
- Пробачте, вам потрібна допомога?Prabachte, vam potribna dopomoha?Excuse me, do you need help?
Example conversation
Serhiy sees Nataliia struggling with a heavy box in the hallway.
- Сергій SerhiiНаталіє, вам потрібна допомога?Nataliie, vam potribna dopomoha?Nataliia, do you need help?
- Наталія NataliiaТак, будь ласка, це дуже важко.Tak, bud laska, tse duzhe vazhko.Yes, please, this is very heavy.
- Сергій SerhiiДавайте я заберу це.Davaitie ia zaberu tse.Let me take this.
- Наталія NataliiaДякую, Сергію, ви дуже добрий.Diakuiu, Serhiiu, vy duzhe dobryi.Thank you, Serhiy, you are very kind.
