acercarse
“acercarse” means “to approach” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to approach, to get closer
Also: to draw near
📝 In Action
El perro se acercó a la mesa esperando comida.
A2The dog approached the table hoping for food.
Por favor, no te acerques al borde del acantilado.
B1Please, don't get close to the edge of the cliff.
¿Nos acercamos a la ventana para ver mejor?
A2Shall we move closer to the window to see better?
to be drawing near, to be approaching
📝 In Action
Se acerca el verano y necesitamos planear las vacaciones.
B1Summer is approaching and we need to plan the vacation.
Cuando se acercaba la hora de cierre, la tienda estaba vacía.
B2When the closing time was drawing near, the store was empty.
to approach (someone), to reach out to
Also: to strike up a friendship
📝 In Action
La empresa se acercó a los sindicatos para negociar el contrato.
B2The company approached the unions to negotiate the contract.
Si tienes dudas, acércate a tu tutor.
B2If you have doubts, approach your tutor (go talk to them).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "acercarse" in Spanish:
to approach→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: acercarse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'acercarse' in the sense of initiating contact?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Formed by combining the prefix 'a-' (to/towards) and the word 'cerca' (near), plus the reflexive ending '-se'. It literally means 'to make oneself near'.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'acercar' and 'acercarse'?
'Acercar' (non-reflexive) means 'to bring something/someone else closer' (e.g., *Yo acerco la silla a la mesa* — I bring the chair closer to the table). 'Acercarse' (reflexive) means 'to move oneself closer' (e.g., *Yo me acerco a la mesa* — I move myself closer to the table).
Does 'acercarse' require a special verb form (subjunctive)?
No, 'acercarse' itself is generally used in the standard indicative form. However, if you use it in a sentence structure that expresses doubt, emotion, or desire, the verb *after* it might need the subjunctive (e.g., *Espero que te acerques pronto* — I hope that you approach soon).