Use '求助' when you need help from others because you cannot solve a problem yourself.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To ask for help or assistance.
- Used when facing difficulties.
- Common in daily life and emergencies.
Overview
“求助”是一个非常实用的汉语词汇，表示寻求帮助。它由“求”（追求、寻找）和“助”（帮助）两个字组成，字面意思就是“寻求帮助”。在日常交流中，当人们遇到困难、挑战或需要支持时，会使用这个词来表达自己需要外部援助的意愿。
紧急情况：发生意外或危险时，向警察、消防员或急救人员求助。
“帮忙”是动词，意思是帮助别人，也可以指自己需要别人帮助（例如，“你能帮我个忙吗？”）。“求助”更侧重于“我需要帮助”这个动作和意图。
“请求”是一个更广泛的词，可以表示提出要求，不一定是为了得到帮助，也可以是请求批准、请求允许等。而“求助”特指请求帮助。
“寻求帮助”和“求助”意思非常接近，都可以表示请求帮助。“寻求帮助”的语体可能更正式一些，但两者在很多情况下可以互换使用。
Examples
我遇到了一个技术难题，需要向IT部门求助。
workI've encountered a technical problem and need to seek assistance from the IT department.
如果你在国外遇到麻烦，可以向当地警察求助。
travelIf you encounter trouble abroad, you can ask the local police for help.
“救命啊！谁来帮帮我！” 他大声呼救。
emergency'Help! Can anyone help me!' he cried out for help.
孩子摔倒了，疼得哭了起来，妈妈赶紧上前扶他起来，没有让他去求助。
familyThe child fell and cried in pain. Mom quickly went to help him up, not letting him ask for help.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
请帮我一个忙
Can you do me a favor?
需要帮助
need help
向...寻求帮助
seek help from...
Often Confused With
'帮忙' (bāngmáng) means 'to help' (verb) or 'a favor' (noun). '求助' (qiúzhù) specifically means 'to ask for help'. You ask someone for '帮忙', and the act itself is '求助'.
'请求' (qǐngqiú) is a broader term for 'to request' or 'to beg'. It can be used for asking for help, but also for requesting permission, information, etc. '求助' is specifically about asking for assistance.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '求助' is commonly used in everyday conversations and writing. It is generally neutral in terms of formality, but can be used in more serious or urgent situations. When asking for help, it's important to be clear about what kind of assistance you need.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '求助' with '帮忙'. Remember that '求助' is the act of asking for help, while '帮忙' is the act of helping or the help itself. Also, avoid using '求助' in situations where a simple '请帮我一下' (please help me) would suffice, as '求助' can sometimes imply a more significant need.
Tips
Be Polite When Asking
When asking for help, remember to be polite. Phrases like '请问', '麻烦您', or '能不能帮我一下？' can soften your request.
Don't Overuse '求助'
While it's okay to ask for help, try to solve problems independently first. Over-reliance on others might be perceived negatively.
Indirectness in Asking
In some Chinese cultural contexts, people might be hesitant to directly '求助'. They might hint at their problem or ask for advice first, rather than a direct plea for help.
Word Origin
The character '求' (qiú) originally depicted a person kneeling with hands outstretched, signifying begging or seeking. '助' (zhù) means 'help' or 'assist'. Together, '求助' literally means to seek assistance.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, while asking for help is necessary, there's often an emphasis on self-reliance and not burdening others. Direct requests for help might be softened, especially with strangers or superiors. However, in emergencies or close relationships, direct '求助' is expected and accepted.
Memory Tip
Think of '求' as 'Quest' for '助' (Aid). You are on a quest to find aid when you '求助'. Imagine a knight questing for aid to defeat a dragon.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“求助”和“寻求帮助”意思基本相同，都表示请求别人给予帮助。在大多数情况下可以互换使用。“寻求帮助”的语气可能稍微正式一些。
当你遇到自己无法解决的困难，或者需要他人提供支持时，就可以使用“求助”。这是一种直接表达需求的方式。
“求助”可以用在各种场合，包括日常生活、学习、工作以及紧急情况。只要你需要帮助，都可以使用这个词。
“求助”的对象可以是任何人，包括家人、朋友、老师、同事、专业人士（如医生、律师）或相关机构（如警察、消防队）。
Test Yourself
我一个人搬不动这个箱子，你能来帮我______吗？
这里需要表达的是请求帮助，所以“求助”最合适。虽然“帮”字在选项中，但“求助”更完整地表达了请求帮助的意图。
小明在考试中遇到了难题，他想问老师寻求解答。
小明遇到难题想得到解答，这是在寻求帮助，所以“求助”最恰当。
他，遇到，困难，向，朋友，了，求助
这个句子语序自然，逻辑清晰，表达了先有困难，后有求助的行为。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '求助' when you need help from others because you cannot solve a problem yourself.
- To ask for help or assistance.
- Used when facing difficulties.
- Common in daily life and emergencies.
Be Polite When Asking
When asking for help, remember to be polite. Phrases like '请问', '麻烦您', or '能不能帮我一下？' can soften your request.
Don't Overuse '求助'
While it's okay to ask for help, try to solve problems independently first. Over-reliance on others might be perceived negatively.
Indirectness in Asking
In some Chinese cultural contexts, people might be hesitant to directly '求助'. They might hint at their problem or ask for advice first, rather than a direct plea for help.
Examples
4 of 4我遇到了一个技术难题，需要向IT部门求助。
I've encountered a technical problem and need to seek assistance from the IT department.
如果你在国外遇到麻烦，可以向当地警察求助。
If you encounter trouble abroad, you can ask the local police for help.
“救命啊！谁来帮帮我！” 他大声呼救。
'Help! Can anyone help me!' he cried out for help.
孩子摔倒了，疼得哭了起来，妈妈赶紧上前扶他起来，没有让他去求助。
The child fell and cried in pain. Mom quickly went to help him up, not letting him ask for help.
