1.
to help, to rescue, to save
To give assistance to someone in need or danger. Can mean to help with a task or to rescue from a dangerous situation.
TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞 (transitive). Pair: 助かる (intransitive). Pattern: Xを助ける (help/save X).
ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing action. 助けている = 'is helping/saving.'
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 人を助ける (help a person)
- 命を助ける (save a life)
- 助けて! (Help!
- emergency)
- 助けを求める (ask for help)
PAIR: 助かる (intransitive) - 助かりました (that's a big help/I'm saved). Stronger than 手伝う (general help).