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How to Say "assistance" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “assistance” is “ayuda” — use 'ayuda' for general requests for help or support, especially in everyday situations, and it's a very common and versatile term.

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ayuda

ah-YOO-dahaˈʝuða

nounA1
Use 'ayuda' for general requests for help or support, especially in everyday situations, and it's a very common and versatile term.
A large, friendly hand gently supporting a small, colorful toy boat on blue water.

Examples

Necesito un poco de ayuda, por favor.

I need a little help, please.

Gracias por tu ayuda con la mudanza.

Thanks for your help with the move.

La organización ofrece ayuda económica a estudiantes.

The organization offers financial aid to students.

It's a Feminine Noun

Even though it doesn't end in '-o' or '-a' in a typical way, 'ayuda' is a feminine word. That means you'll always use 'la ayuda' (the help) or 'una ayuda' (a help).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Sometimes learners say 'Necesito ayudo' when they mean 'I need help'.”

Correction: The noun is 'ayuda', so say 'Necesito ayuda'. The word 'ayudo' is a verb form meaning 'I help'.

asistencia

ah-sees-TEN-see-aha.sisˈten.sja

nounB1
Choose 'asistencia' when referring to formal help or support, particularly in situations like roadside assistance, technical support, or attending an event.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a large cartoon bear gently helping a small cartoon mouse climb up onto a wooden block, symbolizing support.

Examples

Llamé al seguro para solicitar asistencia en carretera.

I called the insurance company to request roadside assistance.

El hospital ofreció asistencia psicológica a las víctimas.

The hospital offered psychological aid to the victims.

Necesita la asistencia de un experto para resolver el problema.

He needs the help of an expert to solve the problem.

Connecting Aid to the Receiver

When talking about who receives the help, you use the preposition 'a' (to/for). Example: 'asistencia a los damnificados' (aid for the victims).

auxilio

owk-SEE-lee-ohau̯kˈsiljo

nounA2
Use 'auxilio' for urgent requests for help or aid, typically in emergency situations, like medical or rescue scenarios.
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.

Examples

Necesitamos auxilio médico urgente para el paciente.

We need urgent medical aid for the patient.

El auxilio económico fue distribuido a todas las familias afectadas.

The economic assistance was distributed to all affected families.

Aprender primeros auxilios es muy importante.

Learning first aid is very important.

Masculine Noun

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

colaboración

nounA2
Opt for 'colaboración' when you need someone to contribute to a task or project, emphasizing teamwork and shared effort.

Examples

Necesitamos tu colaboración para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

We need your collaboration to finish the project on time.

Ayuda vs. Asistencia

Learners often confuse 'ayuda' and 'asistencia'. While 'ayuda' is a general term for help, 'asistencia' implies a more formal or specific type of support, like professional or technical aid. Use 'ayuda' for everyday requests and 'asistencia' for more structured or official help.

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