ayudarnos
“ayudarnos” means “to help us” in Spanish (as a direct object).
to help us
Also: to help ourselves, to help each other
📝 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.
🔄 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
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'ayudar' comes from the Latin verb *adiutare*, meaning 'to help' or 'to assist.' The attached pronoun 'nos' comes from the Latin *nos*, meaning 'us.' The combination is a purely Spanish construction.
First recorded: Both components date back to Old Spanish, with 'ayudar' being common since the 13th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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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.'