Inklingo

How to Say "attendance" in Spanish

English → Spanish

asistencia

ah-sees-TEN-see-ah/a.sisˈten.sja/

nounA1
Use 'asistencia' when referring to the general act or record of being present at a place, event, or class, often checked by a roll call.
A colorful storybook illustration showing three diverse people sitting in chairs facing a small stage, indicating their presence at an event.

Examples

La asistencia a la conferencia fue muy alta este año.

Attendance at the conference was very high this year.

La profesora pasó lista para verificar la asistencia.

The teacher called the roll to verify attendance.

Su asistencia al evento fue muy apreciada.

Your presence at the event was much appreciated.

Tenemos que mejorar nuestro índice de asistencia.

We have to improve our attendance rate.

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though it ends in '-a', remember that 'asistencia' is always feminine. You must use 'la asistencia' (the attendance) and 'mucha asistencia' (a lot of attendance).

Confusing 'Asistencia' and 'Atender'

Mistake:Using the verb 'atender' (to assist) when you mean 'to attend' ('asistir').

Correction: Use 'asistir' (to attend) for showing up. 'Atender' means 'to assist' or 'to pay attention to.' Correct: 'Asistí a la clase.' (I attended the class.)

participación

nounA2
Choose 'participación' when you want to emphasize not just being present, but also actively engaging or contributing to an event or activity.

Examples

Agradecemos su participación en el debate.

We appreciate your participation in the debate.

presencia

preh-SEN-syah/pɾeˈsen.sja/

nounA2formal
Use 'presencia' when referring to the fact of being in a particular place, especially when it's a formal requirement or a confirmed attendance.
A friendly bear standing in the center of a rustic wooden cabin, illustrating physical attendance in a specific location.

Examples

Se requiere la presencia de los padres en la reunión escolar.

Parents' attendance is required at the school meeting.

Confirmaron su presencia en la boda.

They confirmed their attendance at the wedding.

Noté la presencia de alguien detrás de mí.

I noticed someone's presence behind me.

La policía aumentó su presencia en las calles.

The police increased their presence on the streets.

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in '-a', 'presencia' is a feminine noun, so you use 'la' (la presencia).

General Presence vs. Active Involvement

Learners often confuse 'asistencia' and 'participación'. Remember that 'asistencia' simply means showing up, while 'participación' implies you were actively involved in what was happening. 'Presencia' is often used for formal confirmations of attendance.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.