How to Say "to help" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to help” is “ayudar” — use 'ayudar' for everyday, general assistance, like asking for or offering help in common situations..
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!
apoyar
ah-poh-YAR/a.poˈʝaɾ/
Examples
Todos los vecinos apoyamos su iniciativa para limpiar el parque.
All the neighbors support her initiative to clean the park.
La familia la apoyó financieramente durante sus estudios.
The family supported her financially during her studies.
Yo apoyo tu decisión, aunque sea difícil.
I back your decision, even if it's difficult.
Direct Object Use
When supporting a person or idea, 'apoyar' takes them as a direct object. Unlike some English equivalents, it doesn't usually require a preposition like 'a' before the person unless clarifying identity.
Confusing 'Apoyar' and 'Soportar'
Mistake: “Using 'soportar' when you mean 'to support' (help/back).”
Correction: 'Soportar' usually means 'to tolerate' or 'to bear a burden.' Use 'apoyar' for moral or financial help.
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 vs. Specific Help
Related Translations
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