Confusing Noun and Verb

Even though it doesn't end in '-o' or '-a' in a typical way, 'ayuda' is a feminine word. That means you'll always use 'la ayuda' (the help) or 'una ayuda' (a help).

It's a Feminine Noun

To ask for help, you can simply say '¿Me puedes ayudar?' (Can you help me?). If you need 'help' as a thing, you say 'Necesito ayuda'.

Asking for Help

Extremely common. One of the first words you'll learn and use.

Forgetting the 'a'

Mixing up Commands

'Ayuda' can be a statement ('Él ayuda' - He helps) or a command ('¡Ayuda a tu amigo!' - Help your friend!). You can tell which it is from the other words in the sentence.

Two Meanings in One Word

When you help someone *do something*, you need to add the little word 'a' after 'ayudar'. For example, 'Te ayudo a cocinar' (I help you to cook).

The Magic 'a'

A friendly way to offer help is to ask '¿Te ayudo?' (Can I help you?) or '¿Necesitas ayuda?' (Do you need help?).

Offering Help

This is a core verb, so these forms are used constantly.

Learn the complete meaning of 'ayuda' in Spanish. See its use as both a noun ('help', 'aid') and a verb ('he/she helps'), with full conjugations, examples, and usage tips.

ayudar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations