Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| ajudar | /a.ʒuˈda(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /a.ʒuˈda(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
| socorrer | /so.koˈʁe(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /so.koˈʁe(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
The verb ajudar is the general term used to provide assistance to someone or something. If you are referring to providing emergency assistance or performing a rescue, use socorrer.
Which one should you use?
While ajudar is the general word for help, socorrer is used specifically for providing emergency assistance or rescuing someone in distress. For the noun forms, ajuda is the direct counterpart to the verb ajudar, whereas socorro is typically used as an exclamation for help in emergencies.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the word auxílio carries the same meaning as ajuda. In Brazil, the expression me dá uma mão is used to mean 'give me a hand'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When ajudar is followed by another verb, it is common to use the preposition a, such as ajudar a limpar (to help to clean).
How do you pronounce it?
{ip: /a.ʒuˈda(ʁ)/, syllables: 3, stressed: 3rd}
When do people say it?
If you are in immediate physical danger and need to shout for help, you should yell Socorro! rather than Ajuda! The word socorro also serves as a common interjection for a cry of distress.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese verb socorrer is etymologically related to the English word 'current' through the Latin root for 'running'.
- The verb ajudar is a cognate with the Spanish ayudar and Catalan ajudar, reflecting a shared linguistic history across the Iberian Peninsula.
Examples in context
- Vou ajudar o Tom.I'm going to have to help Tom.This sentence demonstrates using ajudar to express helping a person.Tatoeba #9116940 by JGEN, translation #9074978 by CK
- Vá ajudar sua mãe.Go help your mother.This sentence shows the use of ajudar in an imperative or instructional context.Tatoeba #10794330 by bill, translation #5998324 by Hybrid
- Ele vai nos ajudar?Is he going to help us?This sentence illustrates using ajudar in a question format.Tatoeba #897227 by alexmarcelo, translation #298203 by CK
- Por favor, eu preciso de ajuda.Please, I need help.
- Socorro! Eu sofri um acidente.Help! I had an accident.
- Preciso de assistência técnica para consertar meu computador.I need technical support to fix my computer.
- Ei, cara, ajuda aí com essas caixas, por favor?Hey, man, help me out with these boxes, please?
- Me ajuda a entender essa questão?Help me understand this question?
- 1755 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Beatriz are in the kitchen preparing dinner.
- LucasVocê pode me ajudar com a salada?Can you help me with the salad?
- BeatrizClaro, Lucas. O que eu faço?Of course, Lucas. What do I do?
- LucasPor favor, ajude a lavar os tomates.Please, help wash the tomatoes.
- BeatrizTudo bem, eu ajudo agora.Alright, I'll help now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “help” translations and entries ajudar, socorrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ajudar, socorrer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
