vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Usted" is a pronoun which is often translated as "you", and "ayudar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to help". Learn more about the difference between "usted" and "ayudar" below.
usted(
oos
-
tehd
)
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
1.
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
(second person singular)
a. you
¿Me permite usted que le sujete la puerta?May I hold the door for you?
ustedes
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
2. (second person plural)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. you
¿Ustedes van a venir a la boda también?Are you coming to the wedding as well?
3.
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
(second person plural)
Regionalism used in Spain
(Spain)
a. you
Ustedes pueden dejar sus chaquetas en el vestuario y seguirme al comedor.You may leave your jackets in the coatroom and follow me to the dining room.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
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.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.