What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tetsudau (to help) in its potential form tetsudaeru (can help) plus the polite suffix masu.
Which one should you use?
For a more assertive offer among close friends, you might use 助けるから, which means "I will help you, so…".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to express this depending on the social setting. 手伝えます is a polite form suitable for use with strangers, colleagues or superiors. In informal settings, such as with friends or family, you can use the casual 手伝うよ or the potential form 手伝えるよ. 手伝います also serves as a simple and straightforward way to express your willingness to assist in a formal setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 手伝えます is the potential form of the verb tetsudau, which expresses the ability or possibility to assist.
How do you pronounce it?
tetsudaemasu
Did you know?
- If you use tasukeru to offer help with a small chore like washing dishes, it can sound as dramatic as saying 'I shall rescue you'.
- In Japanese culture, offering help can sometimes be seen as implying the other person is incapable, so many people prefer to use indirect phrases to avoid social friction.
- The kanji for 'help' in 手伝う, composed of 'hand' 手 and 'follow' 伝 (or 'accompany'), literally visualizes the idea of being an extra set of hands following someone's lead.
Examples in context
- どんなお手伝いをすればいいですか？What kind of help can I provide?
- なにかお手伝いしましょうか？Shall I help you with something?
- 何か手伝えますか？Nanika tetsudaemasu ka?Can I help with something?
- 荷物の運搬なら手伝えます。Nimotsu no unpan nara tetsudaemasu.I can help with carrying the luggage.
Example conversation
Yui sees Kenta struggling to carry heavy boxes.
- 結衣 Yui大変そうですね。手伝えますよ。Taihen sou desu ne. Tetsudaemasu yo.That looks tough. I can help you.
- 健太 Kenta本当ですか？助かります！Hontou desu ka? Tasukarimasu!Really? That would be a great help!
- 結衣 Yuiどこに運べばいいですか？Doko ni hakobeba ii desu ka?Where should I carry these?
- 健太 Kentaあそこのテーブルの上にお願いします。Asoko no teeburu no ue ni onegaishimasu.On that table over there, please.
