Signification
Offering assistance to someone in need.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Kizukai' (anticipatory consideration) means that offering help before being asked is highly valued. However, one must be careful not to be 'Osekkai' (meddlesome). In an office, staying until your team finishes is common. Using this phrase shows you are not just doing your job, but supporting the 'Wa' (harmony). Clerks use this phrase to signal they are available without pressuring the customer to buy immediately. In Osaka, people might be slightly more direct, but this formal phrase remains the standard for polite interaction with strangers.
The 'Nanika' Buffer
Always include 'Nanika' (something) to make your offer sound less intrusive and more polite.
Don't Over-help
If they say 'Daijoubu desu' twice, respect their space and don't insist.
Signification
Offering assistance to someone in need.
The 'Nanika' Buffer
Always include 'Nanika' (something) to make your offer sound less intrusive and more polite.
Don't Over-help
If they say 'Daijoubu desu' twice, respect their space and don't insist.
Business Email
In emails, use '{何|なに}かお{手伝|てつだ}いできることがあれば' for a professional touch.
The 'Sumimasen' Response
Don't be confused if they say 'Sumimasen' when you help. They are saying 'Thank you for the trouble'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing particles and verb endings.
{何|なに}かお{手伝|てつだ}い（ ）（ ）（ ）。
The full polite offer is 'shimashou ka'.
Which situation is most appropriate for this phrase?
You see a coworker struggling with a heavy box.
A is the standard polite offer. B asks for help, and C is too dramatic.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {荷物|にもつ}が{重|おも}そうですね。{何|なに}かお{手伝|てつだ}いしましょうか。 B: （ ）、お{願|ねが}いします。
In Japanese, 'Sumimasen' is often used to express gratitude when someone offers help, acknowledging the trouble they are taking.
Choose the most formal version of the phrase.
Which one would you use with a CEO?
'Itashimashou' is the humble (Kenjougo) form of 'shimashou'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices{何|なに}かお{手伝|てつだ}い（ ）（ ）（ ）。
The full polite offer is 'shimashou ka'.
You see a coworker struggling with a heavy box.
A is the standard polite offer. B asks for help, and C is too dramatic.
A: {荷物|にもつ}が{重|おも}そうですね。{何|なに}かお{手伝|てつだ}いしましょうか。 B: （ ）、お{願|ねが}いします。
In Japanese, 'Sumimasen' is often used to express gratitude when someone offers help, acknowledging the trouble they are taking.
Which one would you use with a CEO?
'Itashimashou' is the humble (Kenjougo) form of 'shimashou'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is very appropriate and shows great respect.
'Tetsudau' is for assisting with a task. 'Tasukeru' is for saving someone from danger.
Yes, omitting 'Nanika' is common and slightly more direct.
Say 'Onegaishimasu' (Please) or 'Daijoubu desu, arigatou' (I'm fine, thanks).
It's not rude, but it's only for friends and family. Don't use it with strangers.
It's a 'beautification' prefix that makes the noun more polite.
Usually no, unless the waiter is clearly struggling with a disaster (like a spill).
Yes, constantly! Especially by helpful protagonists or polite characters.
Replace 'Nanika' with the thing, e.g., '{皿洗|さらあら}い、お{手伝|てつだ}いしましょうか？'
'Shimashou ka' is perfect for 95% of situations. 'Itashimashou ka' is for very formal business.
Expressions liées
{助|たす}ける
similarTo save or rescue
{力|ちから}を{貸|か}す
synonymTo lend a hand/strength
{代|か}わりにやる
specialized formTo do it instead of someone
{差|さ}し{支|つか}えなければ
builds onIf it's not an inconvenience
