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How to Say ‘I need help’ in French

J'ai besoin d'aide

zhay ay buh-zwan d ed

[zhay ay buh-zwan d ed]

💬 Usage Tip: [J'] and [d'] are shortened before a vowel sound, so [je ai] becomes [j'ai] and [de aide] becomes [d'aide]. These little forms always lean on the next word and do not stand alone.

Phrase Breakdown

J'

[zhay]

I

Short form of 'je' before a vowel sound.

Example

J'ai besoin d'aide maintenant.

I need help now.

ai

[ay]

have

Form of avoir meaning 'have'; in this phrase it helps express need.

Example

J'ai besoin d'aide ici.

I need help here.

besoin

[buh-zwan]

need

Noun meaning 'need'; used with avoir in the expression 'avoir besoin de'.

Example

J'ai besoin d'aide pour trouver la gare.

I need help finding the station.

d'

[d]

of

Short form of 'de' before a vowel; links 'besoin' to what is needed.

Example

J'ai besoin d'aide, s'il vous plaît.

I need help, please.

aide

[ed]

help

Noun meaning assistance or help.

Example

J'ai besoin d'aide avec cette machine.

I need help with this machine.

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