How do you say "Could you help me?" in Japanese?

Quick use

Use てつだってもらえますか (tetsudatte moraemasu ka) when you cannot finish a form, machine step, or procedure by yourself at a public office.

It is useful when pointing alone is not enough and you need staff to help you directly.

Chunk or pattern

This is best learned as one practical request.

Do not worry about rebuilding it word by word at first. Say the whole line, then point to the form, screen, or place where you need help.

Core words

• てつだって: help.
• もらえますか: can I get you to do this for me?

Helper words and endings

• もらえますか: makes the request softer than a direct command.
• か: turns the line into a question.

Practical note

This is stronger than simply saying わかりません (wakarimasen). Use it when you want the staff member to actually help you do the next step, not just explain again.