Aidez-moi
The English phrase 'help me' is translated into French as Aidez-moi.
This phrase is a request for assistance when someone is in trouble or needs help with a task.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of the verb aider (to help) and the direct object pronoun moi (me).
How does it change in a sentence?
When asking for help with a specific action, use the structure Aidez-moi à followed by the infinitive of the verb. To change the request from 'help me' to 'help them', replace the object pronoun moi with les.
When do people say it?
In emergency situations, speakers often use the expression Au secours! to shout for help.
Did you know?
- French has a specific phrase donner un coup de main, which literally means 'to give a blow of the hand' to describe helping someone with a task.
- The verb secourir is used for dramatic or life-saving help and is much rarer in daily conversation than aider. Using it for a simple task like carrying groceries would sound unintentionally theatrical.
- In French, the word secours used in emergency cries is also used in the term premiers secours for 'first aid'. This links the act of shouting for help to the medical practice of saving a life.
Examples in context
- Mon Dieu, aidez-moi !My God, help me!This example shows the phrase used in an exclamation of distress.Tatoeba #788829 by RaspaKrusto, translation #931071 by frankou
- Aidez-moi à imprimer ceci.Help me print this.This sentence demonstrates how to ask for help with a specific task using the verb infinitive.Tatoeba #1470236 by sacredceltic, translation #1468427 by CK
- Aidez-moi à sortir de là !Help me out here.This sentence shows the phrase being used to request assistance in getting out of a location.Tatoeba #1852164 by sacredceltic, translation #1850259 by CK
- Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous m'aider à trouver la gare la plus proche?Excuse me, can you help me find the nearest train station?
- Aide-moi à porter ces sacs, s'il te plaît!Help me carry these bags, please!
- Au secours! Je me suis perdu.Help! I'm lost.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel is struggling to carry a heavy box into the house.
- GabrielEmma, aidez-moi avec ce carton, s'il vous plaît.Emma, help me with this box, please.
- EmmaBien sûr, Gabriel. Je vous aide tout de suite.Of course, Gabriel. I'll help you right away.
- GabrielMerci, c'est vraiment très lourd.Thank you, it is really very heavy.
- EmmaOn va le poser ici.We will put it down here.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
