acostumbrarvsacostumbrarse a
/ah-kos-toom-BRAR/
/ah-kos-toom-BRAR-seh ah/
💡 Quick Rule
Acostumbrar = To make SOMEONE ELSE used to something. Acostumbrarse a = To get used to something YOURSELF.
Think: `se` is for `self`. `AcostumbrarSE` is what you do for your`self`.
- The non-reflexive 'acostumbrar' can also mean 'to be in the habit of', similar to 'soler', but this is more formal or literary.
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | acostumbrar | acostumbrarse a | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who is adapting? | La madre acostumbra al bebé a dormir solo. | El bebé se acostumbra a dormir solo. | Acostumbrar: The mother causes the change. Acostumbrarse a: The baby undergoes the change. |
| New job | El jefe nos acostumbró a usar Slack. | Nos acostumbramos a usar Slack. | Use `acostumbrar` when someone else imposes the habit. Use `acostumbrarse a` when focusing on your own adaptation. |
| Talking about food | Mi abuela me acostumbró al sabor del cilantro. | Ya me acostumbré al sabor del cilantro. | The first describes how the habit started (by someone else). The second describes your current state of adaptation. |
✅ When to Use "acostumbrar" / acostumbrarse a
acostumbrar
To make someone or something accustomed to something; to establish a habit in someone else.
/ah-kos-toom-BRAR/
Making someone else adapt
Acostumbré a mi perro a pasear por la mañana.
I got my dog used to walking in the morning.
Introducing a routine to a group
El profesor acostumbró a los alumnos a entregar la tarea los viernes.
The teacher got the students used to handing in homework on Fridays.
To be in the habit of (formal/literary)
Acostumbraba leer el periódico con su café.
He used to (was in the habit of) reading the newspaper with his coffee.
acostumbrarse a
To get used to, to become accustomed to, to adapt oneself to something.
/ah-kos-toom-BRAR-seh ah/
Adapting to a new situation yourself
Ya me acostumbré al nuevo horario de trabajo.
I've already gotten used to the new work schedule.
Getting used to a person or thing
Poco a poco, te acostumbrarás a vivir aquí.
Little by little, you'll get used to living here.
Becoming familiar with a new environment
Los gatos tardan en acostumbrarse a una casa nueva.
Cats take a while to get used to a new house.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "acostumbrar":
Acostumbré al cachorro a no subirse al sofá.
I got the puppy used to not getting on the sofa. (I trained it.)
With "acostumbrarse a":
El cachorro se acostumbró a no subirse al sofá.
The puppy got used to not getting on the sofa. (It learned.)
The Difference: `Acostumbrar` focuses on the person *causing* the habit. `Acostumbrarse a` focuses on the one *adopting* the habit.
With "acostumbrar":
El clima me acostumbró a llevar siempre un paraguas.
The weather got me used to always carrying an umbrella. (The weather was the agent of change.)
With "acostumbrarse a":
Me acostumbré a llevar siempre un paraguas.
I got used to always carrying an umbrella. (I adapted myself.)
The Difference: Both are correct, but the first makes 'the weather' the active agent that changed you. The second focuses on your personal process of adaptation.
🎨 Visual Comparison
`Acostumbrar` is an action you do *to someone else*. `Acostumbrarse a` is an action you do *for yourself*.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Yo acostumbro al frío.
Yo me acostumbro al frío.
When you are the one getting used to something, you must use the reflexive pronoun ('me', 'te', 'se', etc.).
Te tienes que acostumbrar el ruido.
Te tienes que acostumbrar al ruido.
The reflexive form `acostumbrarse` is always followed by the preposition 'a' (or 'al') before the thing you're getting used to.
Me acostumbré a mi hijo a levantarse temprano.
Acostumbré a mi hijo a levantarse temprano.
If you are getting *someone else* used to something, use the non-reflexive form `acostumbrar`. The 'me' here is incorrect and confusing.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
🏷️ Key Words
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Acostumbrar vs Acostumbrarse a
Question 1 of 3
I'm getting used to the noise. 'Me estoy ___ al ruido.'
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'acostumbrar' to mean 'I usually do something'?
Yes, but it's less common in modern, everyday conversation. For example, 'Acostumbro tomar café por la mañana' is correct but sounds a bit formal or literary. Most people would say 'Suelo tomar café' or simply 'Tomo café'.
Why do I need 'a' after 'acostumbrarse'?
Think of it as part of the verb's structure, like 'to listen *to*' in English. In Spanish, `acostumbrarse` is a verb that needs the preposition `a` to connect it to the thing you're getting used to. It's a package deal: `acostumbrarse a algo`.