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How to Say "accustomed" in Spanish

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acostumbrado

ah-kohs-toom-BRAH-doh/akostumˈbɾaðo/

adjectiveB1formal
Use 'acostumbrado' when you mean that a person or yourself is familiar with and used to a certain situation, place, or activity.
A smiling young child is sitting comfortably and relaxed on the back of a large, gentle golden retriever dog, illustrating familiarity and being accustomed to something.

Examples

Ya estoy acostumbrado a levantarme temprano para trabajar.

I'm already accustomed to waking up early for work.

No te preocupes por el frío; ya estoy acostumbrado a estas temperaturas.

Don't worry about the cold; I'm already used to these temperatures.

Ella está acostumbrada a leer un libro antes de dormir.

She is accustomed to reading a book before sleeping.

Los niños no están acostumbrados a comer verduras.

The children are not used to eating vegetables.

The Essential 'a'

You must always use the preposition 'a' (to) after 'acostumbrado' to connect it to the thing or action you are used to: 'acostumbrado a los ruidos' or 'acostumbrado a trabajar'.

The Verb 'Estar'

Since being 'used to' something is usually a temporary state or feeling, you almost always use the verb 'estar' (to be) with 'acostumbrado', not 'ser'.

Missing the Preposition

Mistake: “Estoy acostumbrado el frío.”

Correction: Estoy acostumbrado AL frío. (Remember the 'a', which combines with 'el' to form 'al'.)

usado

/oo-SAH-doh//uˈsaðo/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'usado' with 'estar a' only when referring to an object that is worn out or has been used a lot, not a person being accustomed to something.
A single, heavily scuffed and creased brown leather work boot showing extensive wear and tear.

Examples

El coche está muy usado, pero todavía funciona bien.

The car is very used, but it still works well.

Esta alfombra está muy usada; deberíamos reemplazarla.

This rug is very worn out; we should replace it.

Los procedimientos usados en el experimento fueron incorrectos.

The procedures utilized in the experiment were incorrect.

Estoy usado a levantarme temprano.

I am accustomed to getting up early. (Regional/less common alternative to 'acostumbrado')

Participle in Compound Tenses

'Usado' is the form needed to create perfect tenses, like the present perfect: 'Hemos usado' (We have used) or the past perfect: 'Habíamos usado' (We had used).

Confusing Ser and Estar

Mistake: “Saying 'El libro es usado' when you mean it is currently worn out.”

Correction: Use 'ser' (El libro es usado) only to state that the book's permanent status is 'second-hand.' Use 'estar' (El libro está usado) to describe its current, worn condition.

Person vs. Object Usage

Learners often confuse 'acostumbrado' (used to a situation) with 'usado' (worn out). Remember that 'acostumbrado' applies to people becoming familiar with something, while 'usado' typically describes the state of an object after extensive use.

Related Translations

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