Translation guide
The English word 'help' covers a wide range of situations, from asking for assistance to providing aid. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what kind of help is being given or received, and the level of formality.
The speaker needs help with a task, problem, or situation.
A direct, polite request for help. Suitable for emergencies or when you really need someone's assistance.
Help me! I dropped my wallet.
Polite request for help with a task, often physical or collaborative. Less urgent than 助けて.
Please help me carry this box.
Casual, direct request for help. Used among friends or in informal situations.
Help! I have too much homework.
Casual request for help with a task.
Can you help me a bit?
The speaker wants to assist someone else.
Polite offer to help with a task. 'Shall I help you?'
Shall I help you with your luggage?
Providing aid in a dangerous or critical situation.
Aiding someone in completing a job, chore, or activity.
Referring to the act or offer of assistance.
General noun for help, aid, or rescue.
Something that improves a situation or makes something easier.
Inviting someone to take food or drink freely.
Polite phrase meaning 'please help yourself'. Often used when offering food or drinks.
Unable to stop oneself from doing something.
Grammar pattern meaning 'can't help but do'. Attach to negative stem of verb.
助ける (tasukeru) implies rescuing or relieving someone from a difficult situation, while 手伝う (tetsudau) means to assist with a task, often collaboratively. Use 助ける for emergencies or serious help, and 手伝う for everyday chores or work.
I ran to save him.
Polite inquiry if someone needs help, often in a more serious context.
Are you having trouble? Do you need help?
Casual offer to help among friends.
Looks tough. Want some help?
To save, rescue, or help someone out of a difficult or dangerous situation.
He saved the drowning child.
Formal term for rescue, often used by authorities or in news.
The firefighters rescued the victims.
To help with a task, often physical or collaborative. Implies working together.
I helped my mother with cooking.
Can also be used for helping with tasks, but often implies relieving a burden or difficulty.
I helped him with his work (to ease his burden).
I need help.
Help with a task, often used for household chores or temporary assistance.
I asked for help with moving.
Formal term for support or aid, often financial or institutional.
Receive government aid.
To be useful, helpful, or of service. Often used for things or advice.
This app is really helpful.
To be saved, helped, or relieved. Often used when something makes your life easier.
It was a big help that you came.
Please help yourself to the snacks.
Literally 'without hesitation, please'. A warm invitation to help oneself.
Please help yourself, there's plenty.
I couldn't help but cry.
Expresses doing something unintentionally or despite oneself. Often used for regrettable actions.
I couldn't help overeating.
掃除を手伝った。
I helped with the cleaning.
助けて (tasukete) is a strong word that can sound like an emergency. For minor help, use 手伝って (tetsudatte) or other phrases to avoid sounding overly dramatic.