How to Say "to assist" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to assist” is “ayudar” — use 'ayudar' for general, everyday requests for help or when offering assistance in informal or neutral situations.
ayudar
ah-yoo-DAHRa.ʝuˈðaɾ
Examples
¿Me puedes ayudar con estas bolsas, por favor?
Can you help me with these bags, please?
¿Me puedes ayudar, por favor?
Can you help me, please?
Mi hermano me ayudó a mudar los muebles.
My brother helped me move the furniture.
Siempre ayudo a mis abuelos con las compras.
I always help my grandparents with the shopping.
Helping People? Use 'a'!
When you're helping a specific person or pet, you must put the little word 'a' right after 'ayudar'. Think of it as a pointer to who's getting the help. For example: 'Ayudo a mi mamá' (I help my mom).
Helping *to do* something
If you're helping someone do another action, you also use 'a' before the next verb. For example: 'Te ayudo a limpiar' (I'll help you to clean).
Forgetting the 'personal a'
Mistake: “Voy a ayudar mi amigo.”
Correction: Voy a ayudar **a** mi amigo. Remember, Spanish uses this special 'a' to mark a person who receives the action of many verbs, and 'ayudar' is one of them!
asistir
ah-sees-TEERasisˈtiɾ
Examples
Los paramédicos asistieron a los heridos en el accidente.
The paramedics assisted the injured people in the accident.
El abogado debe asistir a su cliente en el proceso legal.
The lawyer must assist his client in the legal process.
La enfermera asiste al cirujano durante la operación.
The nurse assists the surgeon during the operation.
Direct Object Use
When 'asistir' means 'to help,' the person being helped often receives the action directly, sometimes using the personal 'a' before the person, just like with the first meaning.
auxiliar
ow-ksee-lyahrawksiˈljaɾ
Examples
Los paramédicos llegaron para auxiliar a las víctimas.
The paramedics arrived to help the victims.
Debemos auxiliar a quienes más lo necesitan.
We must assist those who need it most.
El gobierno prometió auxiliar a las pequeñas empresas.
The government promised to aid small businesses.
Auxiliar vs Ayudar
While both mean 'to help,' 'auxiliar' is much more formal and often implies an emergency or a professional duty.
Using 'A' with People
When you help a person, you must use the word 'a' before their name or the person mentioned, like in 'auxiliar a Juan'.
The 'Help!' Mistake
Mistake: “If you are in danger, don't yell '¡Auxiliar!'”
Correction: Yell '¡Auxilio!' (Help!). 'Auxiliar' is the action of helping, while 'auxilio' is the cry for help.
Choosing between 'ayudar', 'asistir', and 'auxiliar'
Related Translations
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