segúnvsde acuerdo con
/seh-GOON/
/deh ah-KWER-doh kohn/
💡 Quick Rule
Según = 'according to' anyone. De acuerdo con = 'in accordance with' a formal source.
Think: `Según` is simple, for citing what someone says. `De acuerdo con` is longer, for agreeing with a long report or law.
- In many casual cases they are interchangeable, but 'de acuerdo con' always sounds more formal.
- Only 'según' can mean 'depending on'.
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | según | de acuerdo con | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formality | Según el periódico... | De acuerdo con el informe oficial... | 'Según' is neutral and works in most contexts. 'De acuerdo con' is more formal, used for official documents. |
| Citing People | Según Juan, la película es buena. | (Less common) De acuerdo con Juan... | It's much more natural to use 'según' for casual opinions. 'De acuerdo con' sounds overly formal here. |
| Meaning 'Depending on' | Lo haremos según las instrucciones. | (Not used for this meaning) | Only 'según' can mean 'depending on' or 'as per'. 'De acuerdo con' doesn't have this flexibility. |
| Legal/Official Context | Según la constitución... | De acuerdo con la constitución... | Both are correct, but 'de acuerdo con' is more precise and preferred in legal or academic writing. |
✅ When to Use "según" / de acuerdo con
según
According to, depending on. Used to cite an opinion, source, or condition.
/seh-GOON/
Citing a person's opinion
Según mi mamá, hace frío.
According to my mom, it's cold.
Citing a general source
Según el artículo, el concierto fue un éxito.
According to the article, the concert was a success.
To mean 'depending on'
El precio varía según el tamaño.
The price varies depending on the size.
In questions
¿Según quién?
According to whom?
de acuerdo con
In accordance with, in agreement with. A more formal way to cite a source, especially a written or official one.
/deh ah-KWER-doh kohn/
Citing a formal source (laws, studies)
De acuerdo con la ley, no se puede fumar aquí.
In accordance with the law, you can't smoke here.
Citing an official report or data
De acuerdo con el informe, las ventas aumentaron.
According to the report, sales increased.
Expressing conformity with a plan
Actuamos de acuerdo con el plan establecido.
We acted in accordance with the established plan.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "según":
Según las noticias, va a llover.
According to the news, it's going to rain.
With "de acuerdo con":
De acuerdo con el pronóstico meteorológico oficial, va a llover.
In accordance with the official weather forecast, it's going to rain.
The Difference: 'Según' is perfect for everyday conversation. 'De acuerdo con' adds a layer of formality and emphasizes the official nature of the source.
With "según":
Cociné según la receta.
I cooked according to the recipe.
With "de acuerdo con":
Actuamos de acuerdo con las regulaciones.
We acted in accordance with the regulations.
The Difference: 'Según' works well for general instructions or guides. 'De acuerdo con' is better for formal rules, laws, or regulations you must comply with.
🎨 Visual Comparison
'Según' is for citing what anyone says. 'De acuerdo con' is for agreeing with a formal source like a law or report.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
De acuerdo con mi amigo, la fiesta es a las 8.
Según mi amigo, la fiesta es a las 8.
For citing a friend's casual information, 'según' is the natural choice. 'De acuerdo con' sounds too stuffy and formal.
El plan cambia de acuerdo con el clima.
El plan cambia según el clima.
To mean 'depending on', you must use 'según'. 'De acuerdo con' cannot be used for this meaning.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
🏷️ Key Words
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Según vs De acuerdo con
Question 1 of 2
Which is more natural? '___ mi hermana, la tienda cierra a las 5.'
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just always use 'según'?
In casual conversation, yes, 'según' will almost always work and sound natural. However, in formal, academic, or legal writing, using 'de acuerdo con' will make your Spanish sound more precise and educated.
Is 'de acuerdo a' the same as 'de acuerdo con'?
You will hear 'de acuerdo a' used, especially in Latin America, and it's generally understood. However, the most widely accepted and grammatically standard form is 'de acuerdo con'. It's best to stick with 'de acuerdo con' in your own speaking and writing.