N4 · Phrase guide
Tetsudatte Kudasai — Asking for Help
手伝ってください
てつだってください
Please help me
Nuance
ください frames it as a request, not an order. Adding すみませんが first softens further.
Cultural note
Offering help uses different grammar: 手伝いましょうか. Accepting with お願いします completes the exchange.
Examples
すみません、手伝ってください。
Excuse me, please help me.
Moving luggage
ちょっと手伝って。
Give me a hand.
Casual with roommate
Common mistakes
- Using 手伝ってください for trivial favors without thanks afterward
- Confusing with 助けて (emergency help!)
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