A2 Expression 1 min read

助けてもらえますか。

2249

Could you help me?

Meaning

Polite way to ask for assistance when in need.

Practice Bank

3 exercises
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When you need help and want to politely ask for assistance, you can say '___________'.

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Complete the phrase: 助けて___________。 (Polite way to ask for help)

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If you are in need of assistance and want to be polite, you can ask: '助けてもらえます___________。'

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The phrase '助けてもらえますか。' (Tasukete moraemasu ka?) is a polite way to ask for assistance in Japanese. Let's break down its components: * **助けて (Tasukete)**: This is the te-form of the verb 助ける (tasukeru), meaning 'to help' or 'to save'. The te-form is often used to connect verbs or to request an action. * **もらえます (Moraemasu)**: This is the potential form of the verb もらう (morau), which means 'to receive'. The potential form indicates ability or possibility, so もらえます means 'can receive' or 'be able to receive'. When used in this context, it implies 'can you grant me the favor of...'. * **か (Ka)**: This is a question particle that turns the statement into a question. So, literally translated, the phrase means something like 'Can I receive the favor of you helping?' or 'Can you give me help?'. This construction makes it a very polite and indirect way to ask for assistance, common in Japanese culture where direct requests can sometimes be perceived as impolite. The politeness is further enhanced by the use of the potential form and the indirect phrasing. This particular construction is a standard and widely understood way to ask for help when in need, conveying respect for the person being asked.

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