Spanish word

ayuda

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈʝuða/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhelp

Example

Necesito ayuda, por favor.

I need help, please.

Illustration for ayuda (help)

More examples

No dudes en pedir ayuda si la necesitas.

Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Core concept

A lifebuoy or safety ring handed to someone in trouble.

Common phrases

  • pedir ayuda

    ask for help

  • prestar ayuda

    offer help

  • ayuda mutua

    mutual aid

Similar words

apoyo: Ongoing emotional or active backing that helps someone persist and cope over time.
asistencia: Organized service or aid provided to solve a person's specific problem or need.
auxilio: Immediate lifesaving help delivered quickly in dangerous or emergency situations.
socorro: A short urgent cry or shouted call for help in a dangerous or sudden emergency.

Definition in Spanish

Asistencia o apoyo que se ofrece o se recibe para resolver una necesidad o facilitar una tarea.

Word origin

From Latin adiutare (ad- 'to' + iuvare 'to help') via the verb ayudar, with the noun ayuda naming the act or result of helping.

Usage tips

  • For urgent situations, people typically use auxilio or ¡socorro! rather than ayuda, while ayuda fits everyday or institutional assistance like ayuda financiera.

Other meanings

  • assistancenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word