A smiling gardener effortlessly waters a row of thriving green plants with a watering can, showing comfort and familiarity with the routine task.

acostumbrada

ah-kohs-toom-BRAH-dah

AdjectivefB1

accustomed (to)?describing a habit or routine,used (to)?familiar with something

Also:in the habit (of)?describing a routine

📝 In Action

Mi hermana está acostumbrada a trabajar hasta tarde.

My sister is used to working late.

La perra no estaba acostumbrada al ruido de la ciudad.

The dog (female) was not accustomed to the city noise.

Ella dijo que ya estaba acostumbrada a la comida picante.

She said she was already used to spicy food.

Word Connections

Synonyms

habituada (habituated)
familiarizada (familiarized)

Antonyms

extraña (strange, unfamiliar)
inusual (unusual)

Common Collocations

estar acostumbrada a – to be used to
vida acostumbrada – accustomed life/routine

💡 Grammar Points

Always Match the Subject

Since 'acostumbrada' is an adjective, you must make sure the ending matches the person or thing you are describing. Use '-a' for female subjects (like 'ella' or 'la mujer').

The Essential 'a'

When you say you are 'used to' something, you must always follow 'acostumbrada' with the preposition 'a'. If you are used to an action, the verb after 'a' stays in its basic (infinitive) form: 'acostumbrada a comer'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Missing the Preposition

Mistake: "Estoy acostumbrada el calor."

Correction: Estoy acostumbrada *al* calor. (You must use 'a' before the noun, which often contracts with 'el' to become 'al'.)

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: "Mi madre está acostumbrado a eso."

Correction: Mi madre está *acostumbrada* a eso. (The adjective must match the feminine subject 'madre'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Estar' vs. 'Ser'

You almost always use 'estar' (which describes a temporary state or condition) with 'acostumbrada', because being used to something is a state you are currently in.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: acostumbrada

Question 1 of 2

How would you correctly translate: 'Ana is used to the cold weather'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

acostumbrar(to accustom, to get used to) - verb

acostumbrado(accustomed (masculine)) - adjective

costumbre(custom, habit) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'acostumbrada' end in '-a'?

'Acostumbrada' is the feminine form. It must be used whenever you are describing a female person (like 'mi madre') or a feminine noun (like 'la rutina'). If you were describing a male person or a masculine noun, you would use 'acostumbrado' (ending in '-o').

Can I use 'acostumbrada' without the verb 'estar'?

Yes, but it is less common. You can use it as a standalone adjective (like 'the accustomed path' — 'la senda acostumbrada'), but when talking about a person's current state of being 'used to' something, 'estar' is required: 'Ella está acostumbrada...'