asistir
/ah-sees-TEER/
to attend
When 'asistir' means 'to attend,' it refers to being present at an event, like a class or meeting.
asistir(verb)
to attend
?a meeting, class, or event
,to go to
?a place or function
to be present at
?a specific location
📝 In Action
¿Vas a asistir a la reunión de mañana?
A1Are you going to attend tomorrow's meeting?
Ella asiste a clases de baile todos los viernes.
A2She goes to dance classes every Friday.
Muchos estudiantes asistieron al concierto benéfico.
B1Many students attended the charity concert.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'a' is Mandatory
When 'asistir' means 'to attend,' you must always follow it with the small word 'a' (to/at) before the place or event. Think of it as 'to attend to the event'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Asistir' and 'Ayudar'
Mistake: "Using 'asistir' when you mean 'to help' a person in a general, non-formal way (e.g., *Quiero asistir a mi amigo*)."
Correction: For general help, use *ayudar*: *Quiero ayudar a mi amigo*. Use *asistir* only for attending things or for formal/medical help.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Presence
The core meaning here is being physically present. If you want to talk about helping someone, see the second definition, but for daily use, stick to 'attend'.
When 'asistir' means 'to assist,' it means to provide aid or support to someone.
asistir(verb)
to assist
?to provide aid or support
,to help
?in a formal capacity
to care for
?the sick or injured
📝 In Action
Los paramédicos asistieron a los heridos en el accidente.
B1The paramedics assisted the injured people in the accident.
El abogado debe asistir a su cliente en el proceso legal.
B2The lawyer must assist his client in the legal process.
La enfermera asiste al cirujano durante la operación.
B2The nurse assists the surgeon during the operation.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Use
When 'asistir' means 'to help,' the person being helped often receives the action directly, sometimes using the personal 'a' before the person, just like with the first meaning.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
In this sense, 'asistir' is often used in writing or when discussing professional services (medical, legal, technical). For casual, everyday help, stick with ayudar.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: asistir
Question 1 of 2
Which verb should you use if you want to say 'I want to help you paint the fence'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'asistir' a false cognate with the English 'assist'?
No, it's a true cognate! But it has two main meanings. While it means 'to assist' or 'to help' (especially in formal contexts), its most common meaning is 'to attend' or 'to be present at' (like a class or meeting), which is where it often confuses English speakers.
Do I have to use 'a' after 'asistir'?
Yes, almost always. Whether you mean 'to attend an event' or 'to help a person,' Spanish requires the preposition *a* immediately after the verb.