Inklingo
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A friendly woman is assisting a young boy who is struggling to lift a heavy wooden box. They are both holding the box and cooperating.

ayudarlo

ah-yoo-DAHR-loh

Verb (Infinitive Form)A1regular ar
to help him?referring to a man or boy,to help you?formal address (Usted), masculine person
Also:to help it?referring to a masculine object or concept (e.g., a project, el plan)

Quick Reference

infinitiveayudar
gerundayudando
past Participleayudado

📝 In Action

Necesito un minuto para ayudarlo con su equipaje.

A1

I need a minute to help him with his luggage.

Si quiere, puedo ayudarlo a terminar el informe.

A2

If you want, I can help you (formal) finish the report.

Es importante empezar el proyecto para poder ayudarlo a crecer.

B1

It's important to start the project in order to help it grow.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • asistirle (to assist him)
  • socorrerlo (to aid him (in emergency))

Common Collocations

  • poder ayudarlo – to be able to help him
  • querer ayudarlo – to want to help him

💡 Grammar Points

Two Words in One

This word is the verb 'ayudar' (to help) combined with the pronoun 'lo'. It means the action of helping is directed at 'him,' 'it' (masculine), or 'you' (formal).

When to Attach 'lo'

You attach 'lo' to the end of the verb when the verb is in the infinitive (like 'ayudarlo'), the gerund ('ayudándolo'), or an affirmative command ('¡Ayúdalo!').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Incorrect Placement

Mistake: "Quiero lo ayudar."

Correction: Quiero ayudarlo. The pronoun 'lo' must attach to the infinitive, or come before the conjugated verb: 'Lo quiero ayudar'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Choosing Placement

When you have a conjugated verb followed by an infinitive (like 'Necesito ayudarlo'), you can choose to attach 'lo' to the infinitive (ayudarlo) or place it before the conjugated verb ('Lo necesito ayudar'). Both are correct!

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: ayudarlo

Question 1 of 2

Which of these sentences correctly uses 'ayudarlo' to mean 'I want to help him'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'ayudarlo' always mean 'to help him'?

'Ayudarlo' means 'to help' + the direct object 'lo.' 'Lo' is used for 'him,' 'it' (if the object is masculine, like 'the car'), or 'you' (if you are addressing someone formally, 'usted').

Why is there an accent mark on the command form, like '¡Ayúdalo!'?

When you attach pronouns to a command or gerund, the original stress of the verb needs to be preserved. Adding 'lo' adds an extra syllable, so the written accent mark is necessary to keep the emphasis on the correct syllable (AY-u-da-lo).