asistir

Asistir is a Spanish verb with two core meanings: to be present at or attend, and to assist or help. It is transitive and commonly used with the preposition a when referring to people or events. The sense "to attend" is used for classes, meetings, or ceremonies: asistir a clase, asistir a la conferencia. The sense "to assist" means to aid or take care of someone: asistir a un herido; in many contexts ayudar is more common.

Etymology: the verb comes from Latin assistere, meaning "to stand by, be present," from ad- plus sistere.

Conjugation: as a regular -ir verb. Present indicative: asisto, asistes, asiste, asistimos, asistís, asisten. Preterite: asistí, asististe, asistió, asistimos, asististeis, asistieron. Imperfect: asistía, asistías, asistía, asistíamos, asistíais, asistían. Present subjunctive: asista, asistas, asista, asistamos, asistáis, asistan. Imperative: asiste, asista, asistamos, asistid, asistan. Gerund: asistiendo. Past participle: asistido.

Usage notes: The two main senses can overlap with other verbs; "asistir" for attending events is common in Spain and Latin America. The sense "to assist" is more formal or regional, and "ayudar" or "atender" are often preferred for general help. When meaning to attend to someone, it can take a direct object or be used with a person after a preposition: "asistió al herido" (provided aid to the hurt person) or "asistimos a la reunión" (we attended the meeting).

Examples: Voy a asistir a la conferencia mañana. Ella asiste a misa cada domingo. El médico asistió al herido. Nuestro equipo de voluntarios asiste a los necesitados.