actúa
/ahk-TOO-ah/
acts
When someone actúa, they take action, like pushing a button to start a process.
actúa(verb)
acts
?takes action
,behaves
?conducts oneself
functions
?how a system or object works
📝 In Action
El presidente actúa con mucha cautela en esta crisis.
B1The president acts with great caution in this crisis.
Mi perro actúa muy raro cuando escucha truenos.
A2My dog behaves very strangely when he hears thunder.
La nueva política actúa como un incentivo para los empleados.
B2The new policy acts as an incentive for the employees.
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Role of 'Actúa'
The form 'actúa' is used for two purposes: 1) To state a fact about 'he/she/it/you (formal)' right now (Present Tense), and 2) To give a direct command to 'you (informal tú)'.
The Stress Mark Rule
The little line (accent mark) over the 'u' is required in the present tense forms (actúa, actúo, actúas) to make sure the 'u' is pronounced strongly and separately from the following vowel ('a' or 'o').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Accent
Mistake: "Using 'actua' (without the accent)."
Correction: Always write 'actúa' in the present tense. Without the accent, it would be pronounced 'AK-twa,' which is incorrect for this verb.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Actuar' with 'De'
When you want to say someone is acting 'as' something, use 'actuar de' (e.g., 'actúa de mediador' means 'acts as a mediator').
Actúa can also mean to perform, such as an actor bowing after a show.
actúa(verb)
performs
?on stage or screen
plays the part
?in a play or movie
📝 In Action
La actriz actúa en un musical de Broadway esta noche.
B1The actress performs in a Broadway musical tonight.
En la película, él actúa como un detective muy serio.
B1In the movie, he acts (plays the role of) a very serious detective.
⭐ Usage Tips
Performance vs. Action
While both meanings use 'actúa,' context usually makes it clear. If you see words like 'escena' (scene) or 'película' (movie), it refers to performance. If it's about a decision or reaction, it means taking action.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: actúa
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'actúa' to mean 'to take action' rather than 'to perform'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'actúa' have an accent mark when most other '-ar' verbs don't in the present tense?
The accent mark is there to show you how to pronounce the word correctly. It breaks up the vowel combination 'ua' so that each vowel is pronounced separately, putting strong stress on the 'u' (ah-TOO-ah). This is common for Spanish verbs ending in -uar.
How do I know if 'actúa' is a command or a statement?
The context is key. If it's a statement, it will usually be followed by who is acting: 'Él actúa...' (He acts...). If it's a command, it will usually stand alone or be directed right at the person: '¡Actúa ahora!' (Act now!)