Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 助ける | tasukeru | [ta̠sɨ̥ke̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) [sɨke̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 手伝う | tetsudau | [te̞t͡sɨda̠ɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term 'help' is expressed using two primary verbs depending on the nature of the assistance. 助ける is used when providing assistance in life-threatening situations or saving someone from danger. In contrast, 手伝う is used for providing assistance with specific jobs, chores or activities like housework. Related nouns include 助け, 手助け and 手伝い, which refer to the action of providing assistance, as well as 手伝い, which can refer to a person who performs assistant work. Additionally, 助けて is used as an interjection to cry out for help during an emergency.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb 手伝う literally contains the character for 'hand' (手), implying the act of lending a hand to complete a task.
Which one should you use?
Use 助ける for serious or formal contexts involving rescue or saving someone from danger. Use 手伝う for casual or daily contexts involving assisting with a task, such as a chore or a work assignment.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 手伝い can be used to refer to the act of helping or to a person who acts as a helper or assistant.
How do you pronounce it?
tasukeru
When do people say it?
In an emergency where you are in immediate physical danger or distress, the standard way to cry out for help is to say 助けて.
Did you know?
- In Japanese, using the wrong word for 'help' can lead to extreme misunderstandings, as 助けて signals a life-threatening emergency while 手伝って only asks for a hand with a task.
- The verb 手伝う first appeared in written records during the late 1500s in 狂言 (kyōgen) popular plays.
Examples in context
- 私も手伝うわ。I'll help you, too.This sentence shows how to use 手伝う to offer help.Tatoeba #10906741 by small_snow, translation #6274322 by CK
- トムを手伝うよ。I'll help Tom.This sentence shows how to use 手伝う to express helping a specific person.Tatoeba #8857819 by bunbuku, translation #2235753 by CK
- 皿洗い手伝うよ。Let me help you with the dishes.This sentence demonstrates using 手伝う for helping with a specific chore.Tatoeba #9353722 by bunbuku, translation #244969 by CK
- すみません、荷物を運ぶのを手伝っていただけませんか？Excuse me, could you help me carry these bags?
- お願いです！すぐに救急車を呼んでください！Please! Call an ambulance immediately!
- 85 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are talking about a volunteer event.
- 美咲 Misaki今度のボランティア、何をするの？Kondo no borantia, nani o suru no?What are you doing for the upcoming volunteer work?
- 大翔 Hiroto水を必要としている人を助けるんだ。Mizu o hitsuyou to shite iru hito o tasukeru nda.I'm going to help people who need water.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔さんは本当に優しいね。Hiroto-san wa hontou ni yasashii ne.You are truly kind, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんも一緒にどう？Misaki-san mo issho ni dou?Would you like to join me, Misaki?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “help” translations and entries 助ける, 手伝う, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 助ける, 手伝う, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
