envíen ayuda
/embien aʝuda/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'send help' is translated into Spanish as envíen ayuda.
This phrase is used as a request for assistance or rescue during an emergency situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the verb envíen, which is the imperative command form of enviar (to send) and the word ayuda, which means 'help'.
Which one should you use?
While envíen ayuda is a direct command, Spanish speakers in many emergency contexts might instead use the more polite phrase necesito ayuda (I need help).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the most common way to call for help in a public emergency is to shout ¡Auxilio!, which is more urgent than ayuda.
- While envíen ayuda is used for rescue, the word ayuda also refers to a 'grant' or 'subsidy' in official government and financial contexts.
- The word ayuda shares a distant ancestor with the Latin word adiuvō, from which English derived the word 'adjutant'.
Examples in context
- Envíe ayuda, por favor.Send help, please.
- Solicito ayuda de manera urgente.I urgently request help.
- Necesito asistencia inmediata.I need immediate assistance.
- ¡Ayuda! ¡Envíame ayuda, por favor!Help! Send me help, please!
- Necesito ayuda ahora mismo, ¿puedes echarme una mano?I need help right now, can you lend me a hand?
- ¿Me puedes ayudar, por favor?Can you help me, please?
- ¡Por favor, envíen ayuda pronto!Please, send help soon!
- ¡Estamos atrapados, envíen ayuda!We are trapped, send help!
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are stuck in an elevator during a power outage.
- LucíaDaniel, no puedo abrir la puerta.Daniel, I cannot open the door.
- DanielTranquila, Lucía, voy a llamar a emergencias.Calm down, Lucía, I am going to call emergency services.
- LucíaDiles que nos envíen ayuda de inmediato.Tell them to send help immediately.
- DanielLo haré ahora mismo.I will do it right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ayuda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
