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"Ayudar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to help", and "le" is a pronoun which is often translated as "him". Learn more about the difference between "ayudar" and "le" below.
ayudar(
ah
-
yoo
-
dahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to help
¿Puedes ayudarme a mover este sofá?Can you help me move this sofa?
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to help
Si quieres ayudar, puedes barrer las hojas del jardín.If you want to help, you can sweep the leaves in the garden.
ayudarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to help oneself
Si no te ayudas tú mismo, no esperes que otro lo haga.If you don't help yourself, don't expect anyone else to.
a. to use
Ayúdate del pasamanos para bajar las escaleras al andén.Use the handrail to go down the stairs to the platform.
b. to make use of
Se ayudaron de todos los servicios a su disposición.They made use of all the services at their disposal.
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
reciprocal verb
a. to help each other
Los dos hermanos están muy unidos y se ayudan mucho.The two brothers are very close and they help each other a lot.
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le(
leh
)
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. him
Le di uno de mis libros.I gave him one of my books.
b. her
Le dije que nos estaban esperando.I told her that they were waiting for us.
c. you (formal)
Le advertí de que no viniera a las siete.I told you not to come at seven.
d. it
Le hice una cubierta nueva.I gave it a new cover.
2. (direct object)
Regionalism used in Spain
(Spain)
a. him
Le besé apasionadamente.I kissed him with passion.
b. you (formal)
Lo siento si le lastimé.I'm sorry if I hurt you.
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