Inklingo
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auxilio

/owk-SEE-lee-oh/

aid

A colorful illustration showing one child grasping the handle of a small red wagon and helping another child pull it up a grassy hill, illustrating general assistance.

Auxilio, meaning 'aid' or 'assistance', can be general help, like helping a friend pull a heavy wagon.

auxilio(noun)

mA2

aid

?

general help or assistance

,

assistance

?

support provided

Also:

relief

?

official or charitable aid

📝 In Action

Necesitamos auxilio médico urgente para el paciente.

B1

We need urgent medical aid for the patient.

El auxilio económico fue distribuido a todas las familias afectadas.

B2

The economic assistance was distributed to all affected families.

Aprender primeros auxilios es muy importante.

A2

Learning first aid is very important.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • primeros auxilios – first aid
  • pedir auxilio – to ask for help

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

Remember that 'auxilio' is masculine, so you must use the masculine articles ('el auxilio', 'un auxilio').

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Everyday

'Auxilio' often carries a more formal or serious weight than 'ayuda' (help). Think of it as 'assistance' or 'emergency aid.'

A simple storybook illustration of a small figure urgently waving both arms while standing alone on a tiny rock surrounded by water, signaling distress and calling for help.

When used as an interjection, ¡Auxilio! is an urgent cry for 'Help!'

auxilio(interjection)

A1

Help!

?

urgent cry for aid

Also:

Save me!

?

extreme urgency

📝 In Action

¡Auxilio! ¡El coche se está deslizando!

A1

Help! The car is sliding!

Ella gritó '¡Auxilio!' tan fuerte como pudo.

A2

She shouted 'Help!' as loud as she could.

Word Connections

Synonyms

💡 Grammar Points

Exclamation Marks

When used as a shout, remember to use both the opening (¡) and closing (!) exclamation marks in Spanish: ¡Auxilio!

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using it for non-emergencies

Mistake: "¡Auxilio! ¿Me pasas la sal? (Help! Can you pass me the salt?)"

Correction: Use '¿Me ayudas?' or '¿Me pasas la sal, por favor?' '¡Auxilio!' is only for danger.

⭐ Usage Tips

Immediate Danger

This is the word to use when you are in immediate danger and need someone to intervene right away.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: auxilio

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'auxilio' as an interjection (a shout)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

auxiliar(to help, to assist) - verb
auxiliador(helper, assistant) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'auxilio' and 'socorro'?

There is virtually no difference, especially when used as a shout for help (interjection). Both '¡Auxilio!' and '¡Socorro!' mean 'Help!' and are used interchangeably in emergency situations across the Spanish-speaking world.

Can I use 'auxilio' as a verb?

No. 'Auxilio' is the noun form. The verb meaning 'to help or assist' is 'auxiliar.' For example, 'Yo auxilio a mi abuela' (I help my grandmother).