Translation guide
The English word "assistant" can refer to various roles, from a helper in a workplace to a digital assistant. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on context, relationship, and formality.
A person who assists in a professional or office setting, often in a subordinate role.
General term for an assistant, often used in academic, medical, or technical contexts. Can also mean 'helper' in a broader sense.
He works as a research assistant in the lab.
Loanword from English, commonly used in creative industries, media, or general office settings. Implies a support role.
She works as an assistant on a TV show.
Refers to an assistant who supports a superior, often in a formal or official capacity. Used in titles like 部長補佐 (assistant manager).
He was appointed as assistant to the president.
Specifically a secretary or personal assistant, often handling administrative tasks for an executive.
She is the president's secretary/assistant.
A person who helps customers in a store.
A virtual assistant like Siri, Alexa, or a chatbot.
An assistant with a specialized function, often part of a title.
Someone who helps out informally, like a volunteer or a friend.
助手 is a native Japanese word often used in academic, medical, or technical settings. アシスタント is a loanword common in media, creative fields, and general office work. 補佐 implies a formal assistant role supporting a superior, often part of a title.
Do not use アシスタント for a shop assistant; use 店員 instead. アシスタント in a retail context would sound like a personal helper, not a store clerk.
The sales assistant explained the new product to me.
She is a photographer's assistant.
忙しいから助っ人を呼ぼう。
We're busy, so let's call in an assistant/helper.