acusar
“acusar” means “to accuse” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to accuse
Also: to blame
📝 In Action
Ella me acusó de haber roto su vaso favorito.
A2She accused me of having broken her favorite glass.
El hombre fue acusado de robo ante el juez.
B1The man was accused of theft before the judge.
No puedes acusar a alguien sin tener pruebas.
A2You cannot accuse someone without having proof.
to acknowledge receipt
📝 In Action
Le escribo para acusar recibo de su paquete.
B2I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your package.
to show signs of
Also: to reveal
📝 In Action
Su rostro empezaba a acusar el cansancio del viaje.
C1His face was beginning to show the tiredness of the trip.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
present
imperfect
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: acusar
Question 1 of 3
Which word always follows 'acusar' when you want to say what someone did wrong?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'accusare,' which meant to call someone to account or to bring a legal charge.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'acusar' only for crimes?
No! While used in law, children use it to 'tattle' on each other, and friends use it to blame each other for minor mistakes.
What is the difference between 'culpar' and 'acusar'?
'Culpar' is more about feeling someone is at fault in your mind, whereas 'acusar' is the act of stating that fault out loud.
How do I say 'tattletale' using this word?
In many Spanish-speaking countries, a child who tells on others is called an 'acusón' or 'acusona'.