A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Help" in Italian
The essential Italian word for 'help!' in any emergency situation. Shout it loud and clear!
Aiuto!
ah-YOO-tohcasual
Italian TTS · 0:01
Shout this if you're in immediate danger, witnessing an accident, or need urgent assistance from strangers. It's the universal cry for help.
Alternatives
- Mi aiuti?Use this when asking a specific person for help politely.
- Ho bisogno di aiuto.This is a more complete sentence to state you need help.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'aiuto' with 'aiutare'
'Aiuto' is the noun/exclamation 'help!', while 'aiutare' is the verb 'to help'.
Pronouncing the 'g'
There is no 'g' sound in 'aiuto'; it's a pure vowel sound.
A small cultural note
While 'Aiuto!' is universally understood, Italians might also try to attract attention by calling out 'Scusi!' (Excuse me!) first if the situation isn't immediately life-threatening.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When to use 'Aiuto!' vs 'Mi aiuti?'
'Aiuto!' is a sudden, urgent cry for help. 'Mi aiuti?' is a polite request directed at someone specific.
How to say 'I need help' in Italian?
You can say 'Ho bisogno di aiuto.' This is a direct statement of your need.
Is 'Aiuto!' always for emergencies?
Primarily, yes. It's for situations where you need immediate assistance due to danger or a problem.
What is the verb help in Italian?
The verb 'to help' in Italian is 'aiutare'. It is conjugated like other regular verbs ending in -are.
How do you say 'Help me' in Italian?
To say 'Help me' in Italian, you can use 'Aiutami'. This is the imperative form of the verb 'aiutare' with the direct object pronoun 'mi' attached.
What is an Italian synonym for help?
A common synonym for 'aiuto' (help) is 'soccorso', which often implies a more urgent need for assistance or rescue.
How do you say 'I need help' in Italian?
You can say 'I need help' in Italian as 'Ho bisogno di aiuto'. This literally translates to 'I have need of help'.
How do you say 'Please help' in Italian?
To say 'Please help' in Italian, you can use 'Per favore, aiutami'. This combines the polite request 'per favore' with the imperative 'aiutami'.
