Hjálp

Hjälp is a Swedish noun meaning assistance, aid, or help. It can refer to the act of helping as well as the support or services someone receives. In everyday language, common phrases include Jag behöver hjälp (I need help), Kan du hjälpa mig? (Can you help me?), and Hjälp mig! (Help me!). The noun often appears in compounds such as hjälpmedel (assistive devices), nödhjälp (emergency aid), and tack för hjälpen (thanks for the help). The related verb is hjälpa, meaning to help, and the imperative form Hjälp! is used to call for aid.

Etymology and cognates: Hjälp derives from Old Norse hjálp and Proto-Germanic *hilpō, with cognates in Danish hjælp and Norwegian hjelp. English help shares the same historic root. The Swedish spelling with ä reflects its native phonology, while the exact pronunciation varies regionally.

Usage and grammar: Hjälp is typically treated as a general, uncountable concept, but it can be counted in expressions like en hjälp (one instance of assistance). The verb forms are hjälpa (to help), hjälper (helps), hjälpte (helped), har hjälpt (has helped). It appears in many compounds and fixed expressions, such as hjälpinsats, hjälporganisation, humanitär hjälp, nödhjälp, and hjälpmedel. Synonyms and related terms include assistans (more formal or technical), bistånd (assistance or support), and stöd (support).

Context and significance: The concept of hjälp is central to welfare, humanitarian relief, and everyday cooperation in Swedish-speaking contexts. It covers formal aid provided by authorities and NGOs as well as informal assistance among individuals, reflecting a shared cultural emphasis on mutual support.