도와주다 vs 거들다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 도와주다
Listen to 거들다
| 도와주다 | 거들다 |
|---|---|
DO-wa-joo-da verb | geodeulda verb |
| to help someone; to give assistance | to lend a hand; to help out; to assist |
How they differ
거들다 usually means helping with a small or supporting task, not taking full responsibility. Compared with 도와주다, it often suggests a lighter, secondary kind of help rather than direct assistance.
When to use each
When to use 도와주다: Use 도와주다 when the help is substantial, direct, or clearly for someone’s benefit.
When to use 거들다: Use 거들다 when you are helping a bit, assisting from the side, or doing part of the work.
Side-by-side examples
- 친구의 이사를 도와주었어요.
(I helped my friend move.) - 친구의 이사를 거들었어요.
(I helped my friend with the move.)
Register & nuance: 거들다 sounds slightly literary or refined and is less common than 도와주다 in casual everyday speech.