助ける

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 助ける (たすける) is a transitive verb for helping someone in difficulty or rescuing a person or animal from danger.
• Basic usage: 旅行者を助けた reports helping a lost traveler, while 犬を助ける describes a group rescuing a dog that fell into a river.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Context separates assistance from rescue
  • 旅行者を助ける centers on aid such as directions, whereas 犬を助ける is rescue from danger in the water. Both mark the recipient of help with を.