ho bisogno di aiuto
The English phrase "I need help" is translated into Italian as ho bisogno di aiuto.
This phrase is used to express that one requires assistance from another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ho bisogno di aiuto literally translates to "I have need of help".
How does it change in a sentence?
The expression of need is formed by using the verb avere (to have) followed by the phrase bisogno di (need of). To change the subject from "I" to "you", you change the verb form to hai bisogno di aiuto.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly omit the preposition di after bisogno, but di is required in Italian. Do not say ho bisogno aiuto.
Did you know?
- The word bisogno does not come from Latin, but was borrowed into Vulgar Latin from the Frankish word *bisunnija.
- While ho bisogno di aiuto is standard, Italians often use the phrase mi serve aiuto, which literally means 'help serves me'.
- If you are in a life-threatening emergency, instead of the polite ho bisogno di aiuto, you should shout aiuto! or soccorso! to grab immediate attention.
Examples in context
- Ho bisogno di aiuto.I need help.This sentence is useful for expressing a basic need for help.Tatoeba #1060541 by Guybrush88, translation #582309 by CM
- Ho bisogno di aiuto qui.I need help here.This sentence is useful for specifying the location where help is needed.Tatoeba #4594956 by Guybrush88, translation #3559967 by CK
- Perché ho bisogno di aiuto?Why do I need help?This sentence is useful for asking for the reason behind the need for help.Tatoeba #4274509 by Guybrush88, translation #2633240 by meerkat
- Mi potrebbe aiutare, per cortesia?Can you help me, please?
- Ho bisogno di assistenza.I need assistance.
- Puoi darmi una mano?Can you give me a hand?
- Sono in difficoltà, potresti aiutarmi?I'm in trouble, could you help me?
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are in the kitchen trying to fix a broken tap.
- FrancescoSofia, ho bisogno di aiuto con questo rubinetto.Sofia, I need help with this tap.
- SofiaCerto Francesco, dimmi pure cosa posso fare.Of course Francesco, tell me what I can do.
- FrancescoNon riesco a girare la chiave.I can't turn the wrench.
- SofiaDammi la mano, lo faccio io.Give me a hand, I'll do it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aiuto, bisogno, di, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
