How to Say "to assist" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to assist” is “ayudar” — use 'ayudar' for general requests for help or when offering support in everyday situations. It's the most common and versatile translation..
ayudar
/ah-yoo-DAHR//a.ʝuˈðaɾ/
Examples
¿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-TEER//asisˈtiɾ/
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.
General Help vs. Specific Aid
Related Translations
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