hjálp
[ˈçaul̥p]
The Icelandic word for help is hjálp.
hjálp can function as a noun meaning assistance or aid, and it is also used as an interjection to serve as a cry of distress. When you need to express the action of providing assistance, use the verb form hjálpa.
Meaning: transitive: provide assistance to (someone or something) (verb)
Which one should you use?
The noun hjálp refers to the concept of aid or assistance, while the verb hjálpa is used to describe the act of helping.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb meaning 'to help' is hjálpa, and its past participle form is hjálpað.
When do people say it?
In an emergency, shouting Hjálp! is the standard way to call for help, functioning much like the English cry of distress.
Did you know?
- In traditional Icelandic folklore, supernatural beings like the 'hidden people' are sometimes described as providing hjálp in ways that are ambiguous or come with a hidden cost.
- Icelanders may use the phrase ég er til hjálpar to mean 'I am available to help'. While it translates to 'I am for help', it functions as a standard offer of service.
- Icelandic has a high degree of linguistic purism, but hjálp has remained unchanged for centuries. It is one of the many words that looks and sounds almost identical to its Old Norse ancestor.
Examples in context
- Tom gæti hjálpað þér.Tom might help you.This sentence shows how to use the verb form of hjálp to express someone might help you.Tatoeba #3795664 by arnarsmata, translation #3736934 by CK
- Þetta gæti hjálpað þér.This may help you.This sentence demonstrates using the verb form of hjálp to express that something may be helpful.Tatoeba #3795662 by arnarsmata, translation #3736935 by CK
- Ég gæti þurft þína hjálp.I might need your help.This sentence shows the noun form of hjálp used to express a need for assistance.Tatoeba #5484423 by ThorTheTutor, translation #2387224 by CK
- Hjálp! Ég þarf að finna leiðina aftur til hótelsins.Help! I need to find my way back to the hotel.
- Kannstu hjálpa mér við þetta?Can you help me with this?
- 82 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Katrín and Gunnar are in the kitchen.
- KatrínGunnar, getur þú að hjálpa mér?Gunnar, can you help me?
- GunnarJá, ég get hjálpað þér með það.Yes, I can help you with that.
- KatrínTakk, ég þarf hjálp með þessa kassa.Thanks, I need help with these boxes.
- GunnarEngin vandamál, ég hjálpa þér núna.No problem, I will help you now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hjálp, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
