How to Say "to attend" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to attend” is “asistir” — use 'asistir' when talking about attending a meeting, class, or a general event, especially in everyday situations.
Use 'asistir' when talking about attending a meeting, class, or a general event, especially in everyday situations.
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Choose 'acudir' when emphasizing the act of going to a specific appointment or event, often implying a necessity or a response to an invitation.
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Use 'presentarte' in formal contexts, especially when referring to showing up for an official obligation like an exam or a formal interview.
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Opt for 'concurrir' when describing a larger group of people gathering or coming together for a specific event or meeting, often in a more formal or collective sense.
Learn more →ah-sees-TEERasisˈtiɾ
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.
ah-koo-DEERa.kuˈðiɾ
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.
preh-sehn-TAR-tehpɾe.senˈtaɾ.te
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.
kon-koo-reerkonkuˈrir
Examples
Mucha gente concurrió a la plaza para ver el concierto.
Many people gathered at the plaza to see the concert.
Es obligatorio concurrir a la oficina para firmar el contrato.
It is mandatory to attend the office to sign the contract.
Miles de fieles concurren cada año al santuario.
Thousands of the faithful gather every year at the sanctuary.
Using 'a' with Place
When you use this word to mean 'to go to' or 'to attend,' you almost always need to put the little word 'a' before the destination.
Formal Attendance
While 'asistir' is the common way to say 'attend,' this word implies a more formal or massive gathering of people.
Don't use it for 'Agreeing'
Mistake: “Yo concurro con tu opinión.”
Correction: Estoy de acuerdo con tu opinión. (While 'concurrir' can technically mean to coincide, it's rarely used to simply mean 'I agree' in daily Spanish).
Asistir vs. Acudir
The most common confusion is between 'asistir' and 'acudir'. While both mean to attend, 'asistir' is more general for classes or meetings, whereas 'acudir' often implies a need to go to a specific appointment or place.
Related Translations
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