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acoger

ah-ko-HER/akoˈxeɾ/

“acoger” means “to welcome” in Spanish (receiving a person warmly).

to welcome, to receive

Also: to take in, to host
VerbB1spelling change er
General
A friendly person opening their front door with a warm smile and open arms to greet a guest.
gerundacogiendo
past Participleacogido
infinitiveacoger

📝 In Action

La familia decidió acoger a un estudiante de intercambio.

B1

The family decided to welcome an exchange student.

El público acogió la noticia con mucha alegría.

B2

The public received the news with great joy.

Este centro acoge a perros abandonados.

A2

This center takes in abandoned dogs.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • acoger con entusiasmo – to welcome with enthusiasm
  • acoger una propuesta – to accept a proposal
  • dar acogida – to give shelter/welcome

Idioms & Expressions

  • acogerse a sagrado – To seek protection or asylum (traditionally in a church)

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedesacogieran
yoacogiera
túacogieras
vosotrosacogierais
nosotrosacogiéramos
él/ella/ustedacogiera

present

ellos/ellas/ustedesacojan
yoacoja
túacojas
vosotrosacojáis
nosotrosacojamos
él/ella/ustedacoja

indicative

preterite

ellos/ellas/ustedesacogieron
yoacogí
túacogiste
vosotrosacogisteis
nosotrosacogimos
él/ella/ustedacogió

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedesacogían
yoacogía
túacogías
vosotrosacogíais
nosotrosacogíamos
él/ella/ustedacogía

present

ellos/ellas/ustedesacogen
yoacojo
túacoges
vosotrosacogéis
nosotrosacogemos
él/ella/ustedacoge
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "acoger" in Spanish:

to host→to receive→to welcome→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: acoger

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'I welcome' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From Latin 'accolligere', which combines 'ad' (toward) and 'colligere' (to gather together). It literally means to gather someone toward you.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: accueillirItalian: accogliere

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'recibir' and 'acoger'?

'Recibir' is a general word for 'to receive'. 'Acoger' is more emotional or protective; it implies welcoming someone into your space or heart, or taking care of them.

Is 'acoger' always used for people?

Not always. It can be used for animals (shelters), ideas (the proposal was well-received), or even the news.

What does 'casa de acogida' mean?

It translates to a 'shelter' or a 'foster home'—a place that takes in people in need of protection.