Asistir meaning "to assist"?

AA W.C1Kwiziq community member

Hello! I was always taught that "asistir" was a false cognate to "assist" (to aid/help) in English. My understanding was that "asistir a" means "to attend," either attending an event/school, etc. or to wait on someone. Can you please clarify whether "asistir" in fact can be used to mean "to assist"? Thank you!

This question relates to:Spanish writing exercise "A walk along the Guayas river"

Freeform Writing Exercise B2

Asked 1 year ago

Like0Answer2

David M.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hello there AA -

Yes, according to my two dictionaries, it can sometimes mean 'assist' or 'help'. [The "Oxford" dictionary labels this as "formal" usage].

Like21 year ago

InmaKwiziq Head of Spanish, Native Spanish Teacher

Hola AA

Yes, asistir is also used (although more formally than "ayudar) with this meaning.

Saludos

Like01 year ago

AA W. asked:

Asistir meaning "to assist"?

Hello! I was always taught that "asistir" was a false cognate to "assist" (to aid/help) in English. My understanding was that "asistir a" means "to attend," either attending an event/school, etc. or to wait on someone. Can you please clarify whether "asistir" in fact can be used to mean "to assist"? Thank you!

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