acceder
/ahk-seh-DEHR/
to access
A colorful illustration showing a hand reaching into a digital screen, symbolizing the action of "acceder" (to access) digital information or a location.
acceder(verb)
to access
?digital information or location
,to gain entry
?physical location or building
to log in
?computer system
📝 In Action
No puedo acceder a mi cuenta sin la contraseña.
A2I cannot access my account without the password.
Solo el personal autorizado puede acceder a esta área.
B1Only authorized personnel can gain entry to this area.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Needs 'a'
When using 'acceder' to mean 'to access,' you must always use the preposition 'a' (to) right after the verb. Think of it as 'access to something'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Preposition
Mistake: "Quiero acceder el sistema."
Correction: Quiero acceder al sistema. (The 'a' is essential!)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
'Acceder' is often used for digital or restricted access. For simply walking into a room, 'entrar' (to enter) is usually more common and informal.
Two characters shaking hands to show they "acceder" (agree to) a request or condition.
acceder(verb)
to agree to
?a request or condition
,to consent to
?a demand
to yield to
?pressure or negotiation
📝 In Action
El director accedió a la petición de los empleados.
B2The director agreed to the employees' request.
Si no accede a nuestras condiciones, no hay trato.
C1If he does not consent to our conditions, there is no deal.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Agreement
This meaning is often used when discussing high-level decisions or negotiations, like a government agreeing to a treaty or a boss agreeing to new terms.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'a' for the Request
Just like the 'access' meaning, this sense of 'acceder' also requires the preposition 'a' before the thing you are agreeing to (e.g., 'acceder a la petición' — agree to the request).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: acceder
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'acceder' in its formal meaning of 'to agree to'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'acceder' reflexive? Do I say 'me accedo'?
No, 'acceder' is generally not used in a reflexive way. You use it directly with the preposition 'a' (e.g., 'acceder a la web'). If you mean 'to approach' or 'to come close,' you might use a verb like 'acercarse' (which is reflexive).
Can I use 'acceder' instead of 'entrar' (to enter)?
Yes, but 'acceder' usually implies some kind of permission, restriction, or difficulty (like needing a key, password, or authorization). 'Entrar' is much simpler and means 'to walk in'.