借助

• Pinyin: jiè zhù
• Hanzi breakdown: 借 = 亻+ 昔 — to borrow, rely on; 助 = 且 + 力 — to help, assist

Meaning

With the help of; by means of. To rely on something as a tool or aid.

Used to indicate using something as a means or aid to accomplish something else. Common with tools, technology, resources, or support from others. More formal than 用 and emphasizes the auxiliary role of what is being used.

Examples

1. 他借助人工智能技术大幅提高了工作效率。 He significantly improved work efficiency with the help of artificial intelligence technology.
2. 研究人员借助最新的显微镜技术观察到了病毒的详细结构。 Researchers observed the detailed structure of the virus with the help of the latest microscope technology.
3. 她借助家人的支持，终于走出了人生的低谷。 With the support of her family, she finally emerged from the low point in her life.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, professional, technical

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 借助这个工具我们可以完成任务。(With the help of this tool, we can complete the task.)
• 借助外力来推动改革。(Rely on external forces to push reform forward.)

Don't Say

• 口语中过度使用'借助' (Don't overuse 借助 in casual speech — it sounds formal; use 靠 or 用 instead)

Origin & History

Composed of 借 (to borrow; to rely on) + 助 (to help; aid). Together they mean to rely on help from something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional and academic