How to Say ‘Can you help me?’ in French
Vous pouvez m'aider ?
voo poo-vay m ay-day
[voo poo-vay m ay-day]
💬 Usage Tip: In [Vous pouvez m'aider ?], the [m'] stands for [me] before a vowel sound. You will see the same squeeze in [m'appeler], [m'attendre], [m'expliquer].
🇫🇷 In France: Using [vous] with a stranger in a shop or station is the normal polite choice in France. [Tu peux m'aider ?] would sound too familiar unless you know the person.
Phrase Breakdown
Vous
[voo]
you
Formal or plural 'you'; polite form when speaking to someone you do not know well.
Vous pouvez m'aider à la gare ?
Can you help me at the station?
pouvez
[poo-vay]
can
Form of pouvoir meaning 'can' or 'are able to'.
Vous pouvez m'aider, s'il vous plaît ?
Can you help me, please?
m'
[m]
me
Object pronoun 'me', shortened before a vowel.
Vous pouvez m'aider avec mon billet ?
Can you help me with my ticket?
aider
[ay-day]
to help
Infinitive verb meaning to help or assist.
Vous pouvez m'aider à trouver mon chemin ?
Can you help me find my way?
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