need help

[/niːd hɛlp/]
verb phrase
precisar de ajuda
1. to require assistance or support from someone else to accomplish a task or deal with a situation
I need help with my homework.
Preciso de ajuda com a minha lição de casa.
2. to be in a situation where one cannot manage alone and must ask for support
She needs help moving to her new apartment.
Ela precisa de ajuda para se mudar para seu novo apartamento.
3. to require professional or medical assistance
He needs help from a therapist.
Ele precisa de ajuda de um terapeuta.
In both Brazilian and American cultures, asking for help is increasingly normalized, though cultural values differ: American culture often emphasizes independence and self-reliance, while Brazilian culture tends to have stronger communal support systems. The phrase 'need help' is direct and commonly used in professional, academic, and personal contexts in both cultures.
NYC Slang
I need a hand / I need someone to help me out
Synonyms / Sinônimos
require assistanceask for supportcall for helpseek aid
Antonyms / Antônimos
manage alonehandle independentlycope without help

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
precisar de ajuda
most common and standard form used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
precisar de uma mão
informal, colloquial usage meaning to need a hand
São Paulo
precisar de ajuda
standard usage, same as general Brazilian
Portugal
precisar de ajuda
identical to Brazilian Portuguese; no significant regional variation

Related Words

assistancesupportaidhelpaskassistance request

Related Idioms & Phrases

can't help yourself
a helping hand
ask for help
lend a hand
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