Japanese word

助ける

Pronunciation

Romajitasukeru

Meaning

  • verbhelp

Example

友達が私を助けます。tomo dachi ga watashi o tasu ke ma su

My friend helps me.

Illustration for 助ける (help)

More examples

困っている友達を助けます。koma tte i ru tomo dachi o tasu ke ma su

I help a friend who is in trouble.

困っている人を助けることは大切です。koma tte i ru hito o tasu ke ru ko to wa tai setsu de su

Helping people in need is important.

Core concept

It describes lending support so that a person or situation can move from difficulty toward a better condition.

Common phrases

  • 助けてくださいtasu ke te ku da sa i

    Please help

  • 人を助けるhito o tasu ke ru

    help someone

Similar words

手伝うtetsudau: To help with a task by sharing the work.
支えるsasaeru: To give support that keeps a person or situation from failing.
応援するōensuru: To support a person or team as they work toward a goal.

Definition in Japanese

相手に力を貸して、困難な状態から抜け出せるようにする。ai te ni chikara o ka shi te kon nan na jō tai ka ra nu ke da se ru yō ni su ru

Word origin

The native verb 助ける (tasukeru) is related to the older verb 助く (tasuku), meaning "to help" or "to save"; 助 (jo, "aid") serves as its written character.

Usage tips

  • The verb help appears in many polite requests, such as asking someone to help carry a bag or find a place.

Other meanings

  • rescueverb
  • saveverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 助け合いtasukeaimutual helpnoun
  • 助け手tasuketehelpernoun

Word lists with this word