To Need and To Help

The verb 필요하다 means that something is necessary or required for a certain purpose.

It is different from simply wanting something (원하다). You use 필요하다 when you cannot complete a task, solve a problem, or function properly without that thing.

Basic Usage

무엇이 필요해요? (What do you need?)

Core takeaway: 필요하다 means 'to be necessary', not just 'to want'

You can pair 필요하다 with everyday nouns like time, money, tools, and help.

Sentence Frame

[Noun] + 이/가 필요해요

Common Combinations

Korean · English

시간이 필요해요 · I need time

현금이 필요해요 · I need cash

노트북이 필요해요 · I need a laptop

도움이 필요해요 · I need help

The verb 도와주다 means to give help or assist someone. It is an action verb used when someone provides support for a task or a problem.

Essential Expressions

When asking for help, you can use:

좀 도와주세요 (Please help me a little.)

When offering help, it is very common to use:

제가 도와드릴게요 (I will help you.)

도와드릴게요 is the standard polite way to offer your assistance in the workplace or daily life.

Core takeaway: 도와주세요

You can use 도와주다 with the tasks, events, or problems that require assistance.

Sentence Frame

[Noun] + 을/를 도와주다

Common Combinations

숙제를 도와줬어요 (helped with homework)

이사 준비를 도와줬어요 (helped with moving preparations)