手伝う

• Reading: てつだう
• Romaji: tetsudau
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te/shu) — hand; 伝 (den/tsuta) — transmit, convey
• Pronunciation: /te.tsɯ.da.ɯ/

Meaning

To help; to assist; to lend a hand. Describes offering practical assistance with a task.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb conjugated with the う row. Used for hands-on help with specific tasks — cooking, cleaning, work, moving. Takes を for the task being helped with, or simply the person + を手伝う. Related noun: 手伝い (help, helper).

Examples

1. 引っ越しを手伝ってくれませんか。 Could you help me move?
2. 母の料理を手伝ったら喜んでくれた。 When I helped my mom with the cooking, she was happy.
3. 困っている人がいたら手伝いましょう。 If someone is having trouble, let's help them out.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, work, family

Tone: friendly

Origin & History

Compound of 手 (hand) and 伝う (to follow along, to be guided). Literally means to follow along with one's hands — lending a hand.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal