ayuda
/aˈʝuda/
In Spanish, the word for help is ayuda.
The term ayuda is used to denote providing assistance to someone or something. It can function as a noun meaning 'assistance' or as a verb form meaning 'helps' or 'is helping'.
Meaning: transitive: provide assistance to (someone or something) (verb)
Which one should you use?
While ayuda is the standard word for assistance, the forms socorro and auxilio are more urgent and are typically used in life-threatening emergencies.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ayuda (help) is derived from the infinitive verb ayudar (to help). The form ayuda can function as the third-person singular present indicative ('he/she helps') or the third-person singular present subjunctive of the verb ayudar.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈʝuda/
What mistakes should you avoid?
If you are in immediate danger and need to shout 'Help!', do not use ¡Ayuda! Instead, use ¡Socorro! or ¡Auxilio!
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb ayudar is a linguistic relative of the English word 'adjutant', which refers to a military officer acting as an assistant.
- The word auxilio is frequently used in Latin American countries for life-threatening emergencies, whereas socorro is more common in Spain.
- The term ayuda can also refer to a 'subsidy' or 'grant' from a government, moving the meaning from personal assistance to financial support.
Examples in context
- Ven aquí y ayuda.Come here and help.This sentence shows how to use ayuda as a command.Tatoeba #1229896 by wallebot, translation #3100621 by mhenderson5
- No pedí tu ayuda.I didn't ask for your help.This sentence uses ayuda as a noun.Tatoeba #2314129 by marcelostockle, translation #2290270 by CK
- Ve a pedir ayuda.Go get help.Tatoeba #2774186 by marcelostockle, translation #2230766 by CK
- Disculpe, ¿podría brindarme su ayuda, por favor?Excuse me, could you offer me your help, please?
- ¿Podría ayudarme con estas maletas, por favor?Could you help me with these suitcases, please?
- Oye, necesito tu ayuda para arreglar mi bicicleta.Hey, I need your help to fix my bike.
- María, ¿me puedes ayudar con la tarea de matemáticas?Maria, can you help me with the math homework?
- ¡Socorro! Hay un incendio en el edificio.Help! There's a fire in the building.
- Le solicito su colaboración para encontrar una solución a este problema.I request your help in finding a solution to this problem.
- 1986 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are cleaning the kitchen together.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿me ayuda con los platos?Sofía, can you help me with the dishes?
- SofíaSí, yo te ayuda ahora mismo.Yes, I will help you right now.
- AlejandroGracias, así terminamos más rápido.Thanks, that way we finish faster.
- SofíaNo hay problema, siempre ayuda es buena.No problem, help is always good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ayuda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
