What does it mean word for word?
The phrase yardım etmek is a compound verb. It combines the noun yardım (help or assistance) with the auxiliary verb etmek (to do or to make).
Which one should you use?
While yardım etmek is the verb used for the act of providing assistance, imdat is an interjection used specifically as a cry for help during an emergency.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase in the past tense, such as 'helped', the suffix -di is added to the auxiliary verb etmek to form yardım etti. To negate the phrase (for example, 'I do not help'), attach the negative suffix to the auxiliary verb etmek rather than the noun yardım, resulting in yardım etmem.
How do you pronounce it?
The sound /j/ is like the [y] in yes, /ɾ/ is like the AmE a[t]om, /ɯ/ is somewhat like the [o] in ribbon, /m/ is like [m]uch and /c/ is like s[k]ew.
Did you know?
- Turkish has a specific distinction between yardım etmek for general assistance and yardıma koşmak, which literally means 'to run to the help' of someone.
- While yardım etmek means to help, the Turkish language uses the auxiliary verb etmek to turn dozens of nouns into verbs, effectively 'making' the help happen.
- The word yardım shares a linguistic lineage with the Bashkir word ярҙам, showing its deep roots in the Turkic language family.
Examples in context
- Tom yardım etmek istedi.Tom wanted to help.This sentence shows the use of yardım etmek to express a desire to help.Tatoeba #5903550 by duran, translation #5902915 by CK
- Yardım etmek için geldik.We've come to help.This sentence uses yardım etmek to describe coming for the purpose of helping.Tatoeba #4582794 by duran, translation #3161720 by CK
- Biz yardım etmek isteriz.We'd like to help.This sentence uses yardım etmek to express a wish to help.Tatoeba #4761726 by deyta, translation #4499347 by CK
- Affedersiniz, lütfen bana yardım edebilir misiniz?Excuse me, can you please help me?
- Hey, bunu taşımamda yardım edebilir misin?Hey, can you help me carry this?
- Affedersiniz, lütfen en yakın otobüs durağını bulmamda yardımcı olabilir misiniz?Excuse me, please, can you help me find the nearest bus station?
- 1198 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Burak is carrying heavy boxes and Elif offers assistance.
- BurakBu kutuları taşımak çok zor.Carrying these boxes is very hard.
- ElifSana yardım etmek isterim.I would like to help you.
- BurakÇok teşekkür ederim, Elif.Thank you very much, Elif.
- ElifRica ederim, Burak.You're welcome, Burak.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “help” translations and entries yardım etmek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries etmek, yardım, yardım etmek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
