Help in different languages

Help in Different Languages

Discover 'Help' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.

Updated on March 6, 2024

The word 'help' holds a significant place in our vocabulary, denoting support, assistance, and relief. Its cultural importance is evident in various art forms, literature, and everyday conversations. Understanding its translation in different languages can open doors to new cultures and strengthen global connections.

For instance, in Spanish, 'help' translates to 'ayuda', while in French, it is 'aide'. In German, the word 'help' is 'Hilfe', and in Japanese, it is 'たすくみ' (tasukumi). These translations not only reflect linguistic diversity but also highlight the universal need for support and cooperation.

Moreover, the word 'help' has been a subject of fascination in history and popular culture. From self-help books to charity campaigns, its significance extends beyond language. By learning its translations, you embark on a journey of cultural exploration and empathy.

Help


Help in Sub-Saharan African Languages

Afrikaanshulp
Afrikaans "hulp" comes from Dutch and also refers to a small group or gathering of people assisting each other.
Amharicመርዳት
The noun form (מרדה in Hebrew, 'Marda' in Amharic) meant rebellion which later became to mean to help/assist.
Hausataimaka
The word "taimaka" is derived from the Arabic word "ta'āwun" which means "cooperation" or "mutual assistance."
Igboenyemaka
The word "Enyemaka" has its etymological root in the Igbo phrase "nye m aka", which translates to "give me a hand" in English.
Malagasyvonjeo
The term 'Vonjeo' is rooted in the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word '*paŋuŋuŋ', meaning 'assistance'.
Nyanja (Chichewa)thandizeni
Although 'Thandizeni' literally translates to 'help', it can also be used to express 'support' or 'remedy'.
Shonabatsira
The word "batsira" comes from the root word "batsira" which means "to be strong".
Somalii caawi
The word "I caawii" can also mean "to assist" or "to collaborate" in Somali.
Sesothothusa
Thusa is also a name commonly given to female children in Sesotho speaking communities.
Swahilimsaada
"Msaada" derives from the Arabic word "saada" meaning "to aid".
Xhosanceda
The Xhosa word "Nceda" also means "mercy".
Yorubaegba mi o
The term "Egba Mi O" is also an exclamation used to express surprise or admiration.
Zuluusizo
The Zulu word 'Usizo' also means 'support' or 'assistance'.
Bambaradɛmɛ
Ewekpekpeɖeŋu
Kinyarwandaubufasha
Lingalalisalisi
Lugandaokuyamba
Sepedithušo
Twi (Akan)boa

Help in North African & Middle Eastern Languages

Arabicمساعدة
The word "مساعدة" is derived from the root "س ع د" which means "to be happy or fortunate", and thus "مساعدة" can also mean "assistance" or "favor".
Hebrewעֶזרָה
The Hebrew word "עֶזרָה" appears in the Bible as both a common noun meaning "help" or "assistance" and as a proper noun referring to the courtyard within the Temple in Jerusalem where non-priests could stand during worship.
Pashtoمرسته
The word "مرسته" can also mean "support" or "assistance" in Pashto.
Arabicمساعدة
The word "مساعدة" is derived from the root "س ع د" which means "to be happy or fortunate", and thus "مساعدة" can also mean "assistance" or "favor".

Help in Western European Languages

Albanianndihmë
The word "ndihmë" (help) is derived from the verb "ndihmoj" (to help) and is related to the word "ndihma" (assistance).
Basquelagundu
The Basque word "lagundu" also means "to accompany" and is cognate with the Latin word "legare" (to bind).
Catalanajuda
'Ajuda' is also the feminine form of 'ajut', which means 'assistant' or 'ally'.
Croatianpomozite
"Pomozite" is derived from the Proto-Slavic "*pomogti", meaning "to help" or "to support". It also has a secondary meaning of "assistance" or "aid".
Danishhjælp
Historically, this word also had broader meanings in other Germanic languages similar to its English cognate 'help' (cognate 'hjelp' in Norwegian and 'hjälp' in Swedish), with meanings such as 'support' and 'assistance' that survive only in set phrases and idioms in modern Danish.
Dutchhelpen
The verb 'helpen' derives from the Old Dutch word 'helpan' and originally meant 'to support' or 'to take care of'.
Englishhelp
The word 'help' derives from the Old English word 'helpan', meaning 'to aid or support'
Frenchaidez-moi
The French term "aide-mémoire" (literally meaning "help memory") refers to a document, notebook, or other resource that serves as a memory aid.
Frisianhelp
The Frisian word "help" is cognate with the English word "help" and the German word "helfen".
Galicianaxuda
The Galician word "axuda" derives from the Latin "auxilium", meaning "assistance" or "support".
Germanhilfe
Cognate with English "help" and Scandinavian "hjälp," "Hilfe" originally meant "to heal" or "to restore to health".
Icelandichjálp
In Old Norse, "hjálp" also meant "assistance in battle" and is related to the word "hjalt", or "sword hilt."
Irishcabhrú
The word 'cabhrú' is cognate with the Latin word 'operari', meaning 'to work' or 'to help'.
Italianaiuto
The Italian word "Aiuto" derives from the Latin "adjuto," meaning "to assist" or "to help," and has the same root as the English word "adjutant."
Luxembourgishhëllefen
"Hëllefen" is derived from the Old High German word "helfôn", meaning "to hold up", and is related to the English word "help" and the German word "Hilfe"
Maltesegħajnuna
The Maltese word "għajnuna" is derived from the Arabic word "ghawn" meaning "help" or "support"
Norwegianhjelp
The Norwegian word "hjelp" is derived from the Old Norse word "hjalp," meaning "aid" or "assistance."
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil)socorro
The word "Socorro" also means "relief" or "assistance".
Scots Gaeliccuideachadh
Cuideachadh, Scots Gaelic for "help," originated from an older word meaning "to watch over"
Spanishayuda
The word "ayuda" in Spanish is derived from the Latin word "adjutare," meaning "to aid" or "to assist."
Swedishhjälp
"Hjälp" is derived from the Old Swedish word "hiælpæn" and cognates with the Old English word "hælpe" and the German word "helfen".
Welshhelp
The term can also serve as a form of respect and a wish for well-being, meaning 'good health to you'.

Help in Eastern European Languages

Belarusianдапамагчы
The Belarusian word "дапамагчы" can also be used in the sense of "to assist" or "to support."
Bosnianpomoć
The word 'pomoć' is derived from the Proto-Slavic verb 'pomogti' ('to assist'), also meaning 'help' in Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Croatian, Serbian, Slovenian, Slovak, Czech, Polish, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Montenegrin.
Bulgarianпомогне
The word "помогне" is derived from the Proto-Slavic word *pomogti, meaning "to help" or "to assist".
Czechpomoc
Pomoc can also refer to an action or event that provides or seeks aid.
Estonianabi
The Estonian word "abi" (help) is cognate with the Greek word "αβοήθητος" (helpless), suggesting a common Indo-European root.
Finnishauta
Auta has no cognates in other Finnic languages, but may derive from a loan from a Samoyedic language, where the word for "father" is "atte".
Hungariansegítség
Segítség is derived from the Proto-Uralic verb "*sekti", which meant "to help", "to assist", "to support", and "to follow".
Latvianpalīdzība
Latvian word "palīdzība" ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European word "*peleǵʰ-," meaning "to protect."
Lithuanianpagalba
The word "pagalba" is derived from the Old Lithuanian word "pagelba", which means "aid". It is also related to the Latvian word "paliga", which means "support".
Macedonianпомош
'Помош' comes from a South Slavic root also found in Bulgarian ('помощ'), Serbian ('помоћ') and Russian ('помощь').
Polishwsparcie
Wsparcie comes from the Proto-Slavic word *sъportъ, which also meant 'defense' and 'protection'.
Romanianajutor
In Romanian, "Ajutor" also means "a person who provides assistance".
Russianпомогите
The word "помогите" (help) also means "assist" and "lend a hand" in Russian.
Serbianпомоћ
The word "помоћ" comes from an Old Slavic root meaning to help, care for or defend.
Slovakpomoc
The Slovak word "pomoc" also signifies assistance, support, relief, or aid.
Slovenianpomoč
The Slovenian word "pomoč" is cognate with the Russian word "помощь" (pomoshch), both derived from the Proto-Slavic *pomogti, meaning "to assist".
Ukrainianдопомогти
In Ukrainian, the word "допомогти" (help) is cognate with the Russian word "помочь" and the Polish word "pomóc", all deriving from the Proto-Slavic root "*pomogti".

Help in South Asian Languages

Bengaliসাহায্য
"সাহায্য" is derived from the Sanskrit word "sahaya", meaning "assistance" or "support."
Gujaratiમદદ
The Gujarati word 'મદદ' ('madadd') derives from the Persian 'مدد' ('madad'), ultimately originating from the Arabic 'مد' ('madd') meaning 'extension, aid'.
Hindiमदद
Originating from Sanskrit 'mad', meaning 'intoxicated' or 'elated', 'मदद' can also signify 'assistance' or 'support' in Hindi.
Kannadaಸಹಾಯ
ಸಹಾಯ is derived from the Sanskrit word 'sahaya', meaning 'companion' or 'friend'. It can also mean 'assistance', 'support' or 'relief'.
Malayalamസഹായിക്കൂ
Marathiमदत
The word 'मदत' in Marathi is derived from the Sanskrit word 'मद्' meaning 'to aid' and also has the alternate meaning of 'assistance' or 'support'.
Nepaliमद्दत
The word "मद्दत" is derived from the Arabic word "مدد" meaning "assistance" or "support."
Punjabiਮਦਦ ਕਰੋ
The Punjabi word "ਮਦਦ ਕਰੋ" (help) is derived from the Sanskrit "madad" which also means "support" or "aid".
Sinhala (Sinhalese)උදව්
The word "උදව්" can also refer to the time of day around noon.
Tamilஉதவி
The word "உதவி" also means "assistance" or "support" in Tamil.
Teluguసహాయం
సహాయం (sahayam) in Telugu also means 'relief', 'support', 'assistance' and 'aid'.
Urduمدد
مدد is derived from the Arabic word 'medad' meaning 'ink' or 'aid'.

Help in East Asian Languages

Chinese (Simplified)救命
The characters in "救命" also mean "a life that needs saving," and can be used to ask for help or to describe a serious situation.
Chinese (Traditional)救命
救命 is often used as a metaphor for being in desperate need of something, not just physical help.
Japanese助けて
The word "tasukete" (助けて) can also mean "to assist" or "to support" someone in Japanese.
Korean도움
도움 also means 'help' in Chinese, but is pronounced differently and has a different etymology.
Mongolianтуслаач
The verb "Туслаач" is derived from the Mongolian word "туслах", meaning "to help" or "to assist."
Myanmar (Burmese)ကူညီပါ

Help in South East Asian Languages

Indonesiantolong
In ancient Javanese, 'tolong' originally meant 'assistance', 'support', or 'shelter', and it was associated with offerings to ancestors and deities.
Javanesenulungi
Nulungi is derived from the Proto-Austronesian word *tuluŋ, meaning 'to help'.
Khmerជួយ
ជួយ is also used in Khmer as a noun meaning "helper" or "assistant".
Laoຊ່ວຍເຫຼືອ
Malaymenolong
The word "menolong" has a similar sound to the word "menolong" in Indonesian, both ultimately related to the Sanskrit language.
Thaiช่วยด้วย
The word "ช่วยด้วย" can also be used to ask for assistance in other contexts, such as asking for a favor or offering help.
Vietnamesecứu giúp
"Cứu giúp" is a Vietnamese word that combines "cứu" (rescue) and "giúp" (assist), emphasizing the urgent need for assistance and implying a sense of urgency or danger.
Filipino (Tagalog)tulong

Help in Central Asian Languages

Azerbaijanikömək edin
The word "kömək edin" derives from the Old Turkic word "komak", meaning "to assist or support". It is also used in Turkish, Tatar, and other Turkic languages.
Kazakhкөмектесіңдер
Kyrgyzжардам
The word "жардам" derives from the Persian word "yārīdam", ultimately originating from the Sanskrit word "hr-" (to hold).
Tajikёрӣ
The word "Ёрӣ" (help) in Tajik has the same root as the word "yardım" (help) in Turkish and "yordam" (help) in Uzbek.
Turkmenkömek ediň
Uzbekyordam
In old Turkic, 'Yordam,' used to mean 'path' and 'way,' and is still used that way in Uzbek and some other Turkic languages.
Uyghurياردەم

Help in Pacific Languages

Hawaiiankōkua
The word "kōkua" can also mean "support" or "assistance."
Maoriawhina
"Awhina" is also the name of a New Zealand Maori-language television show.
Samoanfesoasoani
The word "fesoasoani" can also refer to assisting someone in carrying a burden.
Tagalog (Filipino)tulungan
"Tulungan" is derived from the Tagalog word "tulong," which also means "assistance, support, or aid."

Help in American Indigenous Languages

Aymarayanapa
Guaranipytyvõ

Help in International Languages

Esperantohelpi
"Helpi" is the Esperanto imperative form of the verb "helpi" (to help), which is derived from the root "help" (to assist).
Latinauxilium
The Latin word "auxilium" can also refer to an auxiliary troop or an external source of aid.

Help in Others Languages

Greekβοήθεια
The ancient Greek term for "help" comes from the noun "βοή", which also means "a shout for help" or "a cry of joy".
Hmongpab
The word "pab" can also mean "assist" or "aid" in Hmong.
Kurdishalîkarî
The word "alîkarî" is derived from the Persian word "alikar", meaning "helper". It also has a broader meaning of "aid" or "support".
Turkishyardım
Yardım can also refer to a type of traditional Turkish folk song.
Xhosanceda
The Xhosa word "Nceda" also means "mercy".
Yiddishהילף
The Yiddish word "הילף" (hilf) is derived from the Middle High German word "hilfe", meaning "help" or "assistance."
Zuluusizo
The Zulu word 'Usizo' also means 'support' or 'assistance'.
Assameseসহায়
Aymarayanapa
Bhojpuriमदद
Dhivehiއެހީވުން
Dogriमदाद
Filipino (Tagalog)tulong
Guaranipytyvõ
Ilocanotulong
Krioɛp
Kurdish (Sorani)یارمەتیدان
Maithiliसहायता
Meiteilon (Manipuri)ꯇꯦꯡꯕꯥꯡꯕ
Mizotanpui
Oromogargaaruu
Odia (Oriya)ସାହାଯ୍ୟ
Quechuayanapay
Sanskritसाहाय्यम्‌
Tatarярдәм итегез
Tigrinyaሓገዝ
Tsongapfuna

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