Inklingo

How to Say "assistance" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ayuda

/ah-YOO-dah//aˈʝuða/

nounA1
Use 'ayuda' when you need general help or support in a common, everyday situation, often when asking for it directly.
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-ah/a.sisˈten.sja/

nounB1formal
Choose 'asistencia' when referring to formal or organized support, such as technical, medical, or roadside assistance.
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-oh/au̯kˈsiljo/

nounA2
Use 'auxilio' when the situation is urgent and requires immediate help or rescue, especially in emergencies.
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').

Choosing between 'ayuda' and 'asistencia'

Learners often confuse 'ayuda' and 'asistencia'. Remember that 'ayuda' is for general, everyday help, while 'asistencia' implies a more formal, often professional, type of support like roadside or technical help.

Related Translations

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