vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Leer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to read", and "asistir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to attend". Learn more about the difference between "leer" and "asistir" below.
leer(
leh
-
ehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to read
Deberías leer las obras completas de Shakespeare.You should read the complete works of Shakespeare.
a. to read
A ese jugador de póker es imposible leerle la cara.It's impossible to read that poker player's face.
3. (computing)
4. (education)
a. to defend
Leyó su tesis doctoral frente a un panel de profesores.She defended her doctoral thesis in front of a panel of professors.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
asistir(
ah
-
sees
-
teer
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
2. (to observe)
a. to witness
Estamos asistiendo al comienzo de una nueva era.We are witnessing the beginning of a new era.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
3. (to help)
a. to attend to
La enfermera me asistió porque era una urgencia.The nurse attended to me because it was an emergency.