Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'assistance' in Japanese, covering help, support, aid, and related concepts.
Offering or providing help in everyday situations.
Common word for help or assistance, often implying physical or practical help. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to help'.
手伝いが必要ですか？
Do you need assistance?
彼は引っ越しの手伝いをしてくれた。
He helped me with moving.
General word for help, rescue, or assistance. Slightly more serious or emotional than 手伝い. Often used when someone is in need.
Formal word for aid or assistance, often used in official, financial, or international contexts.
Support or backing, often used for moral, financial, or technical support. Common in business and news.
Similar to 手伝い but slightly more casual. Often implies lending a hand.
Phrases used when offering help to someone.
Polite way to offer assistance. Literally 'Shall I help?'
How to ask for help or assistance.
Polite request for assistance. Uses humble form いただく.
Expressing gratitude for help received.
Formal thank you for assistance. Suitable for business or formal situations.
本日はお手伝いいただきありがとうございます。
Thank you for your assistance today.
Referring to assistance in business, government, or institutional settings.
Honorific form of 支援, used when referring to assistance from others, especially in formal writing or speeches.
手伝い is for everyday practical help, like helping with chores. 助け implies rescuing or helping someone in difficulty. 援助 is formal and often used for financial or official aid.
助けを呼んでください。
Please call for assistance.
彼女は困っている人に助けを提供した。
She offered assistance to people in trouble.
The government sent assistance to the disaster area.
このプロジェクトは多くの企業の支援を受けている。
This project receives assistance from many companies.
ちょっと手助けしてくれない？
Can you give me a hand?
Shall I carry your luggage? May I assist you?
Very polite and common phrase meaning 'Is there anything I can help you with?'
何かお手伝いできることはありますか？
Is there anything I can assist you with?
Casual offer of help among friends or family.
大変そうだね。手伝おうか？
Looks tough. Need a hand?
Could you assist me with organizing these documents?
Direct request for help, often in urgent situations. Can sound desperate if used casually.
Use only when you really need help; it can sound like 'Help me!'
助けてください！道に迷いました。
Please help me! I'm lost.
Casual way to ask for a hand. Literally 'Will you lend me a hand?'
ちょっと手を貸してくれる？
Can you give me a hand for a sec?
Casual thank you for helping.
手伝ってくれてありがとう。助かったよ。
Thanks for your help. You saved me.
We appreciate your assistance.
Cooperation or assistance, often used in requests for help from the public or colleagues.
ご協力いただけますと幸いです。
We would appreciate your assistance.
経済援助
Economic assistance
援助 is very formal and can sound stiff in daily conversation. Stick to 手伝い or 助け for casual help.
彼女は助けが必要です。
She needs assistance.