provide help

[prəˈvaɪd hɛlp]
verb phrase
prestar ajuda
1. to give or offer assistance, support, or aid to someone in need
The organization provides help to homeless people.
A organização presta ajuda a pessoas sem-abrigo.
2. to supply resources, guidance, or support to facilitate someone's needs
Teachers provide help to students who are struggling with the material.
Os professores prestam ajuda aos alunos que estão com dificuldades na matéria.
3. to make assistance available or accessible to those requiring it
The emergency services provide help during natural disasters.
Os serviços de emergência prestam ajuda durante desastres naturais.
In Brazilian culture, helping others ('ajudar') is deeply valued as part of community spirit and personal relationships. The phrase 'prestar ajuda' is formal and widely used in institutional contexts, while 'dar uma mão' is more informal and reflects the friendly, spontaneous nature of Brazilian social interactions. In the USA, offering help is seen as both neighborly and professional, with phrases like 'lend a hand' being very common in workplace and community settings.
NYC Slang
lend a hand, help out, give someone a hand
Synonyms / Sinônimos
offer assistancegive supportlend a handrender aidextend supportfurnish help
Antonyms / Antônimos
refuse helpwithhold assistancehinderobstruct

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
prestar ajuda
Most common and standard form used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
dar uma mão
Colloquial expression meaning 'lend a hand', very commonly used in Rio
São Paulo
oferecer ajuda
Slightly more formal alternative, commonly used in business contexts
Portugal
prestar ajuda
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, standard across Portugal

Related Words

assistancesupportaidhelperhelpfulauxiliary

Related Idioms & Phrases

lend a hand
give someone a lift
come to someone's aid
go the extra mile
be there for someone
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