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How to Say "to attend" in Spanish

English → Spanish

asistir

/ah-sees-TEER//asisˈtiɾ/

verbA1
Use 'asistir' when talking about being present at a meeting, class, conference, or a general event.
A high-quality illustration showing a young student sitting attentively at a desk in a brightly colored classroom, focusing on a teacher (out of frame).

Examples

¿Vas a asistir a la reunión de mañana?

Are you going to attend tomorrow's meeting?

Ella asiste a clases de baile todos los viernes.

She goes to dance classes every Friday.

Muchos estudiantes asistieron al concierto benéfico.

Many students attended the charity concert.

Using 'a' is Mandatory

When 'asistir' means 'to attend,' you must always follow it with the small word 'a' (to/at) before the place or event. Think of it as 'to attend to the event'.

Confusing 'Asistir' and 'Ayudar'

Mistake: “Using 'asistir' when you mean 'to help' a person in a general, non-formal way (e.g., *Quiero asistir a mi amigo*).”

Correction: For general help, use *ayudar*: *Quiero ayudar a mi amigo*. Use *asistir* only for attending things or for formal/medical help.

acudir

/ah-koo-DEER//a.kuˈðiɾ/

verbB1
Use 'acudir' when referring to going to a specific, often necessary, appointment or a place you are expected to be.
A person arriving at a festive birthday party with a wrapped gift in their hands.

Examples

Debes acudir a la cita médica a las diez.

You must go to the medical appointment at ten.

Mucha gente acudió al festival este año.

Many people attended the festival this year.

Los bomberos acudieron rápidamente al incendio.

The firefighters rushed to the fire quickly.

Using 'a' with acudir

Always use the word 'a' (to) after acudir when you are mentioning the place or person you are going to. For example: 'Acudo a la oficina'.

Acudir vs. Asistir

Mistake: “Using 'asistir' for emergencies.”

Correction: Use 'acudir' when someone is rushing to help or responding to a call. 'Asistir' is better for just sitting in an audience.

presentarse

preh-sehn-TAR-teh/pɾe.senˈtaɾ.te/

verbB1formal
Use 'presentarse' in a more formal context, specifically when indicating that you will formally show up for an obligation like an exam or an interview.
A happy character stepping across the threshold of a doorway, clearly indicating arrival at a location.

Examples

Si no vas a presentarte al examen, tienes que avisar.

If you are not going to show up for the exam, you have to let us know.

¿A qué hora vas a presentarte en la oficina?

What time are you going to appear (show up) at the office?

Meaning Shift

While the non-reflexive 'presentar' means 'to hand over' or 'to introduce someone else,' the reflexive 'presentarse' often means 'to hand yourself over' or 'to show yourself' at a location.

Choosing between 'asistir' and 'acudir'

Learners often confuse 'asistir' and 'acudir'. Remember that 'asistir' is for general events like classes or meetings, while 'acudir' implies going to a specific, often required, destination like an appointment.

Related Translations

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