A friendly orange fox is taking a large step towards a single, brightly glowing blue flower in a green meadow. The fox is clearly moving forward.

acerques

ah-SEHR-kehs

Verb (Conjugated Form)B1Spelling-Change Verb ar

you approach?in contexts of desire or doubt,you come closer?when talking about physical distance

Also:you move near?general proximity

Quick Reference

infinitiveacercar

gerundacercando

past Participleacercado

📝 In Action

Espero que te acerques a la mesa.

I hope you approach the table (come closer to the table).

No creo que acerques el coche tanto al bordillo.

I don't think you're moving the car so close to the curb.

Necesito que tú acerques el micrófono para que te escuchen.

I need you to bring the microphone closer so they can hear you.

Word Connections

Synonyms

aproximar (to bring near)
arrimar (to move close)

Antonyms

alejar (to move away)
distanciar (to distance)

Common Collocations

que te acerques a mí – that you come closer to me
si te acerques – if you approach

💡 Grammar Points

Subjunctive Use

You must use 'acerques' (the special verb form) when the sentence expresses a wish, a request, doubt, or emotion about the action, usually after a connecting word like 'que' (that). Example: 'Quiero que acerques el coche.'

The Spelling Change

The letter 'c' changes to 'qu' before an 'e' in this form. This is just to make sure the sound remains hard, like the 'k' in 'key,' not soft like the 's' in 'see.'

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Indicative

Mistake: "Espero que tú *acercas*."

Correction: Espero que tú *acerques*. When expressing hope or desire, Spanish requires the special verb form ('subjunctive').

Forgetting the 'qu'

Mistake: "No creo que tú *acerces*."

Correction: No creo que tú *acerques*. The spelling must change from 'c' to 'qu' before the 'e' to keep the sound correct.

⭐ Usage Tips

Reflexive vs. Transitive

If you are moving yourself closer, you must add 'te' (e.g., 'Quiero que te acerques'). If you are moving an object closer (like a chair), you use it without 'te' (e.g., 'Quiero que acerques la silla').

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: acerques

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'acerques'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

acercar(to approach/bring closer) - verb

acercamiento(approach/rapprochement) - noun

cercano(close/near) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'acercar' change spelling to 'acerques'?

This is a simple rule to keep the sound consistent! The letter 'c' makes a hard 'k' sound before 'a', 'o', or 'u' (like 'acerca'). But before 'e' or 'i', it usually makes an 's' or 'th' sound. To keep the strong 'k' sound in 'acerques,' Spanish uses 'qu' instead of 'c'.

What is the difference between 'acerques' and 'acercas'?

'Acercas' is used for facts or certainties (e.g., 'Tú acercas el libro' - You bring the book closer). 'Acerques' is used for wishes, doubts, or requests (e.g., 'Quiero que acerques el libro' - I want you to bring the book closer). They mean the same action, but signal a different mood or feeling.