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Which Japanese word do you shout in an emergency to mean 'Help!'?

Tasukete! (助けて！)

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  1. Itadakimasu! (いただきます！)
  2. Sumimasen! (すみません！)
  3. Tasukete! (助けて！) ✔

Why: Tasukete is the te-form of tasukeru, 'to help', used to call for help in an emergency. Itadakimasu is for meals. Sumimasen gets attention but does not signal an emergency.

Huh, didn't know that: In NHK's skit Tam shouts 'Jishin! Tasukete!', meaning Earthquake! Help!

The dad joke
A proton and a neutron are walking down the street. The proton says, "Wait, I dropped an electron. Help me look for it." The neutron says "Are you sure?" The proton replies, "I'm positive."
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References

Answer: Tasukete! (助けて！). Tasukete is the te-form of tasukeru, 'to help', used to call for help in an emergency. Itadakimasu is for meals. Sumimasen gets attention but does not signal an emergency.

  1. NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese, Lesson 40 www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/lesson/en/lessons/40.html
    Tasukete! Help!
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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