Spanish word

ayudar

Pronunciation

IPA/aʝuˈðaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbhelp

Example

¿Me puedes ayudar?

Can you help me?

Illustration for ayudar (help)

More examples

Si te parece, puedo ayudar con la mudanza este fin de semana.

If you like, I can help with the move this weekend.

Core concept

Practical action that makes a task or problem easier for someone.

Common phrases

  • ayudar a alguien

    help someone

  • ayudar con la mudanza

    help with the move

  • ayudar a hacer algo

    help to do something

Similar words

echar una mano: Provides quick, casual help for a short, specific task.
apoyar: Provides steady, ongoing support that helps someone continue or succeed.
colaborar: Acts together with others and shares tasks toward a common goal.
asistir: Stays at someone's side to help with tasks or provide care.

Definition in Spanish

Colaborar para que algo resulte más fácil, siendo útil en una tarea o en la resolución de un problema.

Word origin

Derived from Latin adjuvāre (ad- 'to' + juvāre 'help'), the verb reached Spanish through regular Romance sound changes while keeping the sense 'to help'.

Usage tips

  • When the verb is followed by an infinitive, standard Spanish normally uses ayudar a + infinitive, and when naming the person who receives help use ayudar a alguien.

Other meanings

  • supportverb
  • be usefulverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word