帮

• Pinyin: bāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 帮 = 邦 (phonetic) + 巾 (cloth) — originally binding together, now means 'to help'

Meaning

To help; to assist. A common verb meaning to give aid or support to someone.

Used directly before another verb to mean 'help someone do something' (帮我买, help me buy). Can also stand alone as 'to help' (你能帮我吗？). Very frequently used in daily requests and offers of assistance.

Examples

1. 你能帮我吗？ Can you help me?
2. 他帮了我很多。 He helped me a lot.
3. 请帮我开门。 Please help me open the door.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, request

Tone: polite

Do Say

• 请帮我看一下。(Please help me take a look.)
• 我来帮你。(Let me help you.)

Don't Say

• 帮你自己 to mean 'help yourself' (This sounds odd — use 你自己来 or just offer the item directly)

Origin & History

Originally composed of 邦 (nation, phonetic) and 巾 (cloth). The original meaning related to wrapping or binding, which evolved into the concept of assisting or supporting.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal