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.
引っ越しの手伝いを頼んだ。
I asked a helper for the move.
Assistant, often in a professional or academic setting (e.g., research assistant, shop assistant).
彼は教授の助手として働いている。
He works as a helper/assistant to the professor.
Loanword from English, commonly used for home helpers, care workers, or domestic helpers.
ヘルパーさんに掃除を手伝ってもらった。
I had a helper clean the house.
A more formal term for an assistant or auxiliary person, often used in official or technical contexts.
補助者として会議に参加した。
I attended the meeting as a helper/assistant.
To refer to someone who helps without pay, often in community or event settings.
The standard term for a volunteer helper. Widely understood.
地震の後、多くのボランティアが被災地で活動した。
After the earthquake, many helpers/volunteers worked in the disaster area.
Literally 'a person who helps', can be used for volunteer helpers in informal contexts.
お祭りの手伝いの人を募集しています。
We are looking for helpers for the festival.
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.
このアプリは語学学習の強い助っ人だ。
This app is a great helper for language learning.
Convenient item/gadget; often used for handy tools or helpers around the house.
このキッチン便利グッズは本当に役立つ。
This kitchen helper gadget is really useful.
Assistive device, often used in medical or technical contexts (e.g., hearing aid helper).
歩行補助具を使って歩く。
Walk using a walking helper/aid.
To refer to a person who assists a coach or team.
Assistant coach; a helper to the main coach.
彼はチームのコーチ補佐をしている。
He works as a helper/assistant coach for the team.
Team manager; often a student helper who handles logistics for a sports club.
彼女は野球部のマネージャーです。
She is a helper/manager for the baseball club.
To refer to a program or feature that assists the user.
Often used in software contexts (e.g., helper application, helper function).
このヘルパーアプリが入力を補助します。
This helper app assists with input.
Support tool; a helper program or utility.
開発支援ツールを使う。
Use a development helper tool.
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.
母の手伝いで料理をした。
I helped my mother as a helper with cooking.
研究助手としてデータを集めた。
I collected data as a research helper/assistant.
ヘルパーが毎日来てくれる。
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.
彼女は家事の手伝いとしてとても役立つ。
She is a great helper around the house.
イベントの手伝いがもっと必要です。
We need more helpers for the event.
この道具は台所で本当に助っ人だ。
This tool is a real helper in the kitchen.