帮手

• Pinyin: bāng shou
• Hanzi breakdown: 帮 = to help; 手 = hand

Meaning

Helper; assistant; helping hand.

A person who helps with tasks, whether professionally or informally. More casual than 助手 (assistant). Can also mean 'help' in the abstract sense.

Examples

1. 这个周末搬家，你能来当我的帮手吗？ I'm moving this weekend — can you come be my helper?
2. 她是厨房里不可或缺的好帮手。 She's an indispensable helper in the kitchen.
3. 多找几个帮手，活儿干得快。 Get a few more helpers and the work will go faster.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work

Tone: friendly

Do Say

• 你是个好帮手。(You're a great helper.)
• 我需要个帮手。(I need a helper.)

Don't Say

• 在正式场合把专业助理叫'帮手' (In formal contexts, don't call a professional assistant 帮手 — use 助理 or 助手)

Origin & History

帮 (to help) + 手 (hand). A helping hand.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal