手伝い

• Reading: てつだい
• Romaji: tetsudai
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te) — hand; 伝 (tsutau/den) — transmit, assist
• Pronunciation: /te.tsɯ.da.i/

Meaning

Helper; assistant. Also means the act of helping or assistance.

Noun form of the verb 手伝う (to help). Can refer to both the person helping and the act of helping itself. Common in household and workplace contexts. お手伝い is the polite form and also means 'maid' or 'housekeeper' in some contexts.

Examples

1. 週末に引っ越しの手伝いを頼まれた。 I was asked to help with the move this weekend.
2. お母さんの手伝いをしてから遊びに行きなさい。 Help your mom before you go out to play.
3. 手伝いが足りないので誰か来てくれませんか。 We don't have enough help — could someone come over?

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, household, workplace

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Noun form of 手伝う, a compound of 手 (te, hand) and 伝う (tsutau, to follow along/assist). Literally 'lending a hand along the way.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal