Behjälplig

Behjälplig is a Swedish adjective meaning willing to help or generally helpful. It describes a person, a service, or a resource that is ready to assist and provides practical support when needed. The term conveys more than mere willingness; it implies an active readiness to facilitate or make something easier for others.

Etymology and forms: the word is formed from the noun hjälp (help) with the prefix be- and the adjectival suffix -lig, yielding “having the quality of providing help.” In usage, the adverbial form is behjälpligt, and it can appear in phrases such as “på ett behjälpligt sätt” (in a helpful way).

Usage and nuance: behjälplig is common in both everyday and formal Swedish. It can refer to people, such as a behjälplig kollega, or to guidance, information, or services that are practically useful, for example ett behjälpligt besked from an information desk. The term emphasizes cooperation and a proactive willingness to assist, rather than simply being polite.

Related terms and contrasts: hjelpsam and tillmötesgående are nearby synonyms; hjelpsam emphasizes general helpfulness, while tillmötesgående stresses accommodation and cooperation in interactions. Behjälplig often carries a practical, service-oriented nuance suitable for describing both individuals and resources that reliably help others.