Inklingo
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socorro

/soh-KOH-rroh/

Help!

A cartoon character urgently waves their arms while standing precariously on a tiny island in the ocean, signaling distress.

When used as an interjection, socorro means "Help!" and is an urgent cry for assistance.

socorro(interjection)

A1

Help!

?

Used as an urgent cry for assistance

,

Emergency!

?

Used when signaling immediate danger

📝 In Action

¡Socorro! Me estoy ahogando, necesito un salvavidas.

A1

Help! I'm drowning, I need a life preserver.

Alguien gritó '¡Socorro!' desde el edificio en llamas.

A2

Someone shouted 'Help!' from the burning building.

Word Connections

Synonyms

💡 Grammar Points

Pronunciation Tip

The double 'rr' sound (rr) in 'socorro' requires a strong, rolled tongue movement, often called the 'trilled R'. Practice saying the 'r' in English words like 'butter' quickly, but with your tongue touching the roof of your mouth.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Socorro' and 'Ayuda'

Mistake: "Using '¡Ayuda!' in a life-or-death situation."

Correction: While '¡Ayuda!' also means 'Help!', '¡Socorro!' is reserved for immediate, life-threatening emergencies. Think of 'socorro' as the 911 call.

⭐ Usage Tips

Urgency and Tone

Since 'socorro' is only used in true emergencies, use a high-pitched, urgent tone when saying it to signal immediate danger.

Two friendly, cartoon characters are cooperating to lift a large, heavy wooden log together.

As a noun, socorro refers to general assistance or aid provided to someone in need.

socorro(noun)

mB1

aid

?

General assistance or help provided

,

relief

?

Financial or material help, especially after a disaster

Also:

succor

?

Formal term for assistance during distress

📝 In Action

El gobierno envió socorro a las zonas afectadas por el terremoto.

B1

The government sent aid to the areas affected by the earthquake.

Llamaron a la Cruz Roja para pedir socorro médico.

B2

They called the Red Cross to ask for medical assistance.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • abandono (abandonment)

Common Collocations

  • pedir socorro – to ask for help/aid
  • primeros socorros – first aid

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

'Socorro' is always a masculine noun, so it is always used with 'el' or 'un': 'el socorro' (the aid).

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Use

When used as a noun, 'socorro' often sounds more official or dramatic than 'ayuda'. It is frequently heard in news reports about humanitarian or disaster relief.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: socorro

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'socorro' as a noun meaning 'aid'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

socorrer(to help, to assist (verb)) - verb
socorrista(rescuer, paramedic) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

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

'Socorro' is almost always used as an interjection (a shout) for life-threatening emergencies (fire, drowning, attack). 'Ayuda' is the general word for help or assistance, used in less dire situations (e.g., 'Necesito ayuda con la mudanza' – I need help with moving).

Is 'socorro' a verb?

No, 'socorro' itself is a noun or an interjection. However, the related verb is 'socorrer', meaning 'to help' or 'to rescue'. The 'yo' form of the present tense of that verb is also 'yo socorro' (I help).