Translation guide
The English word 'helper' can refer to a person who assists, a useful tool or thing, or a volunteer. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on the context: whether it's a paid assistant, a volunteer, a tool, or a person in a supporting role.
To refer to someone who helps with a task, often in a work or daily life context.
A general term for a helper or assistant, often used for someone who helps with chores or tasks. Can be casual.
I asked a helper for the move.
Assistant, often in a professional or academic setting (e.g., research assistant, shop assistant).
He works as a helper/assistant to the professor.
Loanword from English, commonly used for home helpers, care workers, or domestic helpers.
I had a helper clean the house.
A more formal term for an assistant or auxiliary person, often used in official or technical contexts.
I attended the meeting as a helper/assistant.
To refer to someone who helps without pay, often in community or event settings.
To refer to a device, tool, or substance that makes a task easier.
Colloquial term for a helper, often used for a person or a useful tool that 'saves the day'. Can be playful.
This app is a great helper for language learning.
Convenient item/gadget; often used for handy tools or helpers around the house.
This kitchen helper gadget is really useful.
Assistive device, often used in medical or technical contexts (e.g., hearing aid helper).
Walk using a walking helper/aid.
To refer to a person who assists a coach or team.
To refer to a program or feature that assists the user.
手伝い is a general, casual helper (often for chores). 助手 is a formal assistant in professional settings. ヘルパー is a loanword often used for care workers or domestic helpers.
I helped my mother as a helper with cooking.
I collected data as a research helper/assistant.
A helper comes every day.
While 助ける人 (person who helps) is grammatically correct, it sounds unnatural and overly literal. Use context-appropriate terms like 手伝い, 助手, or ボランティア instead.
She is a great helper around the house.
We need more helpers for the event.
This tool is a real helper in the kitchen.
We are looking for helpers for the festival.
She is a helper/manager for the baseball club.