Translation guide
The English verb 'assist' can be expressed in Japanese through various words and patterns depending on the context: helping someone with a task, supporting a person or effort, or providing assistance in a formal or technical sense. The most common and versatile word is 手伝う (てつだう), but other options like 助ける (たすける) and 援助する (えんじょする) carry different nuances of rescue, support, or formal aid.
To physically or practically help someone do something, like housework, moving, or a work task.
The most common and natural word for helping with a concrete task. It implies joining in and doing part of the work together.
Could you assist me with moving?
Literally 'lend a hand'. A casual, friendly way to offer help, often for a short or simple task.
While often translated as 'save' or 'rescue', it can also mean 'assist' when someone is in a difficult situation or needs relief from a burden.
To provide support, backing, or aid to a person, organization, or endeavor, often in a non-physical way.
A formal word for providing support, often used for financial, technical, or organizational assistance.
In sports, to make a play that directly helps a teammate score.
A loanword from English, used specifically in sports contexts like soccer or basketball.
He assisted the goal.
To provide help in a professional, medical, or technical setting.
Means to assist as a supplementary helper, often in a subordinate role, like a teaching assistant or a machine aiding a human.
I assisted my mother with cooking.
Can you give me a hand?
忙しい時はいつも彼が助けてくれる。
He always assists me when I'm busy.
The government sent funds to assist the disaster area.
Similar to 支援する, but often implies material or financial aid, especially in international or humanitarian contexts.
The NGO is assisting refugees.
Can be used for supporting someone emotionally or helping them achieve a goal.
His words assisted me (emotionally).
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to make an assist'.
He made a brilliant assist.
It's a job assisting the teacher.
Specifically for assisting people with physical disabilities or the elderly in daily activities.
The nurse assists the patient with eating.
Save me from my homework. (odd unless it's a crisis)
The loanword アシスト is only used in sports or very specific technical contexts. Using it for everyday help sounds unnatural. Stick to 手伝う or 手を貸す.