Word Guide
Learn "help" in Marathi — मदत (madat) — with emergency phrases, polite requests, and the critical distinction between मदत and सहाय्य. From Unit 08 & 13.
How to Say "Help" in Marathi: मदत + Emergency Phrases
The everyday word for help in Marathi is मदत (madat) — feminine, from Hindi/Urdu. The formal Sanskrit equivalent is सहाय्य (sahāyy). This guide covers both, plus emergency phrases you need to recognize.
Quick Answer
| Marathi | Transliteration | Context |
|---|---|---|
| मदत | madat | Help (everyday, feminine) |
| सहाय्य | sahāyy | Assistance (formal, official) |
| मदत करा | madat karā | Help me / Please help (imperative) |
| मला मदत पाहिजे | malā madat pāhije | I need help |
| मदत हवा? | madat havā? | Do you need help? |
Grammar: मदत is Feminine
मदत ends in त but is feminine (like चहा, भाषा). Possessives and adjectives agree:
- माझी मदत — My help
- तिची मदत — Her help
- मदत करणे — To help (verb phrase, neuter infinitive)
Tip: मदत is a noun. The verb is मदत करणे (to help). तो मला मदत करतो = He helps me. मी तो मदत करतो = I help him.
Everyday vs Emergency
| Situation | Marathi | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Can you help me? | तु मला मदत करशील का? | Polite request |
| I need help | मला मदत पाहिजे | Direct need |
| Help! (emergency) | मदत! / बचवा! | Urgent — बचवा = save me |
| Call for help | मदत सांगा / पोलिसांना फोन करा | Emergency action |
| First aid | प्राथमिक उपचार | Medical term |
| Helpline | मदत नंबर / हेल्पलाइन | Phone number |
सहाय्य vs मदत
- मदत — Daily life: मदत करा, मदत पाहिजे, मदत नंबर
- सहाय्य — Official/formal: सरकारी सहाय्य (govt assistance), आर्थिक सहाय्य (financial aid), सहाय्य केंद्र (help center)
Common Mistakes
- ❌ माझा मदत → ✅ माझी मदत (feminine)
- ❌ मदत करो → ✅ मदत करा (Marathi imperative ends in -आ, not -ओ)
- ❌ हेल्प → Use मदत or सहाय्य
Mini Practice
- "I need help" → मला मदत पाहिजे
- "Please help me" → मला मदत करा
- "Help! (emergency)" → मदत! / बचवा!