ayudarnos
ah-yoo-DAR-nos
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Tenemos que ayudarnos si queremos terminar el proyecto a tiempo.
A2We have to help each other if we want to finish the project on time.
¿Podrías venir a ayudarnos mañana con la limpieza?
A1Could you come help us tomorrow with the cleaning?
Antes de culpar a otros, debemos preguntarnos cómo podemos ayudarnos a nosotros mismos.
B1Before blaming others, we should ask ourselves how we can help ourselves.
💡 Grammar Points
Infinitive + Pronoun Structure
The word 'ayudarnos' is formed by attaching the pronoun 'nos' directly to the end of the base verb 'ayudar'. You use this structure when 'ayudar' follows another conjugated verb (like 'querer' or 'necesitar').
The Meaning of 'nos'
The 'nos' means the action of helping is either directed at 'us' (someone helps us) or it is done by 'us' to 'ourselves' or to 'each other' (we help ourselves/each other).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pronoun Placement
Mistake: "La policía nos va a necesitar ayudar."
Correction: La policía va a necesitar ayudarnos. (The pronoun 'nos' must attach to the end of the infinitive, or go before the conjugated verb: 'nos va a necesitar ayudar' is also correct.)
Reciprocal vs. Reflexive
Mistake: "Nos ayudamos a nosotros mismos (when meaning 'each other')."
Correction: Nos ayudamos. (In Spanish, 'nos ayudamos' usually means 'we help each other' without needing the extra words, unless you want to emphasize the reflexive action: 'we help ourselves.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Gerunds
Like infinitives, the pronoun 'nos' can also attach to the end of the '-ando' form (gerund): 'Estamos ayudándonos' (We are helping each other).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ayudarnos
Question 1 of 1
Which of these sentences uses 'ayudarnos' in the reciprocal sense (helping each other)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I attach 'nos' to the end of the verb, and when do I put it before?
You attach 'nos' only when the verb is in its base form (infinitive: 'ayudarnos'), the '-ando' form (gerund: 'ayudándonos'), or an affirmative command (e.g., '¡Ayudémonos!'). If the verb is conjugated (e.g., 'ayudamos'), the 'nos' always goes before it: 'Nos ayudamos.'
Does 'ayudarnos' always mean 'to help each other'?
No, it can mean three things depending on the context: 'to help us' (someone helps our group), 'to help ourselves' (reflexive), or 'to help each other' (reciprocal). Usually, if no helper is specified, it means 'to help each other.'