Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Help" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "help", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
手伝います
てつだいます (tetsudaimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
手助け
てだすけ (tedasuke)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "help" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 手伝います and 手助け.
In Japanese, 手伝います (てつだいます (tetsudaimasu)) is typically associated with "to help" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Used when offering assistance or helping with a task. Often followed by the particle を.
On the other hand, 手助け (てだすけ (tedasuke)) maps to "help, assistance" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to lending a hand or providing support, often in a physical or direct way. 人が困っているときに助けを提供すること。. A literal translation of "help" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "手伝います"
母の料理を手伝います。
I help my mother cook.
Bilingual Context for "手助け"
荷物を運ぶのを手助けしてもらった。
I received help carrying the luggage.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "母の料理を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I help my mother cook.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手伝います" fits here because it means "to help" in the context of: "I help my mother cook.". "手助け" represents "help, assistance".