aider
Peux-tu m'aider à porter cette boîte ?
Can you help me carry this box?
to assist or support someone in doing something
Il aide son père au jardin.
He helps his father in the garden.
Cette application aide les étudiants à apprendre.
This app helps students learn.
Commonly used with 'à' + infinitive verb (e.g., 'aider à faire quelque chose').
to aid or contribute to a cause or situation
Ces fonds aideront à financer le projet.
These funds will help finance the project.
Often used in formal or written contexts.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes with 'Aider'
Avoid using 'aider' with a direct object when it means 'to help someone do something.' Instead, use 'aider quelqu'un à faire quelque chose' (e.g., 'Il aide son ami à étudier' = 'He helps his friend study').
Gold Rule
Preposition 'à' with 'Aider'
When 'aider' is followed by an infinitive verb, it must be preceded by the preposition 'à' (e.g., 'aider à comprendre' = 'to help understand').
Word Origin
From Old French 'aidier', from Latin 'adiutare' (frequentative of 'adiuvare'), meaning 'to help'. Related to 'aide' (help) and 'secours' (aid).
Usage Notes
The verb 'aider' is transitive and often requires the preposition 'à' when followed by an infinitive (e.g., 'aider à faire'). In informal speech, 'aider' can also mean 'to be useful' (e.g., 'Ça aide !' = 'That helps!').