Inklingo

How to Say "i help" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ayudo

ah-YOO-doh/aˈʝuðo/

VerbA1General
Use 'ayudo' when you are directly assisting someone or contributing to a task.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two friendly cartoon figures working together to push a very large, bright red block across the floor.

Examples

Yo ayudo a mi hermano con la tarea.

I help my brother with the homework.

¿Qué hago? Ayudo a quien lo necesita.

What do I do? I help whoever needs it.

Siempre ayudo a mis vecinos a cargar las bolsas.

I always help my neighbors carry the bags.

The special 'a' after 'ayudar'

When you help a person, Spanish often requires the word 'a' right before the person: 'Ayudo a mi hermano.' (I help my brother).

Regular -ar verb

This verb is easy! It follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar, making it predictable across all tenses.

Confusing the person

Mistake: “Yo ayudas”

Correction: The -o ending is only for 'yo' (I). Use 'Yo ayudo.' The -as ending is for 'tú' (you).

sirvo

SEER-voh/ˈsiɾβo/

VerbA1General
Use 'sirvo' when your 'help' involves providing or serving something, especially food or drinks.
A smiling waiter wearing a clean apron holds a tray with a covered dish, ready to serve food to a customer.

Examples

Yo sirvo la cena a las siete en punto.

I serve dinner exactly at seven o'clock.

Siempre sirvo el vino en copas grandes.

I always serve the wine in large glasses.

Irregular 'Yo' Form

The 'I' form ('sirvo') is irregular! The base verb 'servir' should make 'servo,' but Spanish adds an 'i' sound, making it 'sirvo.' This is common in many 'ir' verbs.

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Yo servo”

Correction: Yo sirvo. Remember that the 'e' in the stem often changes to 'i' in the present tense forms, except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.

Ayudo vs. Sirvo

The most common mistake is using 'sirvo' when you mean to offer general assistance. Remember, 'sirvo' specifically relates to the act of serving, like bringing food to the table, rather than general helping tasks.

Related Translations

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