Ayudar vs. Auxiliar

Ayudar vs. Auxiliar
 

Are these two words completely interchangeable as synonyms, or are there different situations in which one or the other is used? Thanks! :)

Auxiliar can be a noun, too, but I guess you are referring to the verb. :)

Auxiliar and ayudar can be synonyms in some occasions, although I would use "auxiliar" for more important or dramatic situations:

Ayúdeme, por favor, a cambiar la rueda de mi coche/auto/carro.
Auxilie a ese niño, que se está ahogando.

In the second sentence, I could use "ayude" instead of "auxilie". But in the first I would find exaggerated that interchange (unless the driver were escaping from some difficult situation, such a volcano, a flood or something similar, where a flat tyre would be a distressing situation).

I've found here a better definition than that given in the DRAE:

auxiliar1 v. tr. Ayudar a una persona, especialmente a librarse de un peligro o a satisfacer una necesidad importante.

I hope it helps. :)

It helps a lot! Thanks, Irma!! :)

You're welcome, but this is my personal interpretation. Maybe in other countries that is different, I don't know. :thinking: :)

I don't think you can say that. Obviously what you mean is that they have the same meaning sometimes. But two words are either synonyms or not. It's like saying that you are sometimes a vegetarian. :rolleyes::)

Yes, you're right. I wanted to say that they were interchangeable in some occasions. Sorry for my bad expression. :o But I think Lou Ann understood me. ;)

(English is not my first language, not even my second) ;)

Yes, I did! :)

Menos mal. :D