How to Say ‘Can you help me?’ in Italian
Può aiutarmi?
pwoh ahy-oo-TAR-mee
[pwoh ahy-oo-TAR-mee]
💬 Usage Tip: [può] is from [potere] "can/to be able to," and the accent mark matters: it shows the stressed sound and keeps it distinct in writing. [aiutarmi] packs [aiutare] + [mi], so it means "help me."
🇮🇹 In Italy: This is polite and appropriate with strangers, staff, or officials. It can sound more urgent than [mi scusi], so it's especially useful when you really need assistance.
Phrase Breakdown
Può
[pwoh]
can you / can
From the verb 'potere', to be able to; here it politely means 'can you'.
Se sono perso, chiedo: "Può aiutarmi?"
If I am lost, I ask: "Can you help me?"
aiutarmi
[ahy-oo-TAR-mee]
help me
From 'aiutare', to help, plus 'mi', me; together it means 'help me'.
Se sono perso, chiedo: "Può aiutarmi?"
If I am lost, I ask: "Can you help me?"
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