助ける
tasukeru
/tɐsɯˈkeɾɯ/
Definition
To help or save someone who is in trouble or needs support.
Example
友達が困っていたので、助けてあげた。
Show translation
My friend was in trouble, so I helped them.
Etymology
From classical Japanese 助く (tasuku), rooted in the Old Japanese verb stem *tasu- meaning "to add to / supplement." The addition of the suffix -keru intensified the meaning into active rescue or aid. Related noun: 助け (tasuke, "help/rescue") and 助け合い (tasuke-ai, "mutual help").
Cultural note
The concept of helping others in Japan is closely tied to 情 (ninjō, "human feeling/compassion") and 義理 (giri, "social duty"). Helping a friend is not just kind — it can carry an implicit expectation of reciprocity. In emergencies, the phrase 助けて！(Tasukete!, "Help me!") is the standard cry for help. Note that 助ける differs from 手伝う (tetsudau), which means helping with a task — 助ける implies saving someone from difficulty or danger.