How to say “Help!” in Chinese

Word by word

What each part of 救命！ actually means.

• 救jiùto save
• 命mìnglife

When you use it

Only for real danger — 救命 literally means "save my life". For a small favour use 我需要帮助 instead.

Use 救命！ in emergency situations. Get help fast: police, doctor, lost and allergies.

Common questions

How do you say "Help!" in Chinese?

"Help!" in Chinese is 救命！ — written in pinyin as Jiùmìng!. It is a emergency phrase you would use in China.

What does 救命！ mean in Chinese?

救命！ (Jiùmìng!) means "Help!". Broken down word by word: 救 (jiù) means "to save"; 命 (mìng) means "life".

When would you use "Help!" in Chinese?

Only for real danger — 救命 literally means "save my life". For a small favour use 我需要帮助 instead. You would say 救命！ (Jiùmìng!) in everyday conversation.

More Emergency phrases

• 我需要帮助。I need help.
• 请叫警察。Please call the police.
• 请叫救护车。Please call an ambulance.
• 我迷路了。I'm lost.