What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of the te-form of the verb tetsudau (to help) and the adjective hoshii (to want).
Which one should you use?
While 手伝ってほしい expresses a subjective desire for help, the phrase 手伝ってください is a more direct and standard way to say "please help me".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 手伝ってほしい is a base form that can be adjusted for different social contexts. For formal situations, you can use ご協力をお願いいたします or お手伝いをお願いします. For informal situations, you can use 助けてくれる？ or 助けてもらえる？
How does it change in a sentence?
To make 手伝ってほしい polite and suitable for most social situations, add desu to the end to form 手伝ってほしいです. In informal settings, adding n da to the end to form 手伝ってほしいんだ makes the phrase sound more explanatory or emotive, which is often used when explaining a situation to a friend.
How do you pronounce it?
tetsudatte hoshii
Did you know?
- While 手伝って refers to assisting with a task, the word 助けて (tasukete) is used for life-or-death emergencies or desperate situations. Using the latter for a simple chore would sound like you are in grave danger.
- In Japanese culture, people often avoid saying 手伝ってほしい directly. Instead, they may describe their struggle, such as saying 'this is quite heavy', to prompt the other person to offer help voluntarily.
- The word 手伝う (tetsudau) contains the character for 'hand' 手. This reflects the literal image of lending a hand to someone to complete a task.
Examples in context
- 会議の資料を作りたいんですが、ご協力をお願いいたします。I would like to create meeting materials. I would appreciate your help.
- パーティーの準備を手伝ってくれる？Can you help me with the preparations for the party?
- 少し手伝ってほしい。Sukoshi tetsudatte hoshii.I need you to help me a little.
- 荷物を運ぶのを手伝ってほしい。Nimotsu o hakobu no o tetsudatte hoshii.I need your help carrying these bags.
- 明日、掃除を手伝ってほしいんだ。Ashita, souji o tetsudatte hoshii n da.I need your help with the cleaning tomorrow.
Example conversation
At home, Hina is preparing for a big party.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、料理を手伝ってほしい。Hinata, ryouri o tetsudatte hoshii.Hinata, I need your help with the cooking.
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ、何をすればいい？Ii yo, nani o sureba ii?Sure, what should I do?
- 陽葵 Himari野菜を切るのを手伝ってほしいな。Yasai o kiru no o tetsudatte hoshii na.I'd like you to help me chop the vegetables.
- 陽太 Yotaわかった、任せて。Wakatta, makasete.Got it, leave it to me.
