How to Say "approach" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “approach” is “acércate” — use this informal command when telling one person to physically move closer to you.
acércate
Examples
¡Acércate! Quiero contarte un secreto.
Come closer! I want to tell you a secret.
acerque
ah-SAYR-kehaˈθeɾke
Examples
Quiero que Juan se acerque a la cámara.
I want Juan to move closer to the camera.
Acerque el micrófono a la boca, por favor.
Bring the microphone closer to your mouth, please. (Formal command, Usted)
Dudo que yo me acerque a esa zona de peligro.
I doubt that I approach that danger zone. (Yo form)
Spelling Change for Sound
The verb 'acercar' changes the 'c' to 'qu' whenever it is followed by an 'e' (like in 'acerque'). This is just to keep the hard 'k' sound consistent across all forms.
Subjunctive Mood
'Acerque' is used when expressing desire, doubt, emotion, or necessity (like 'Es importante que...' or 'Dudo que...'). It expresses a non-factual or hypothetical action.
Forgetting the 'qu' change
Mistake: “Quiero que se *acerce*.”
Correction: Quiero que se *acerque*. (Remember to change 'c' to 'qu' before 'e'.)
acceso
ahk-SEH-sohakˈseso
Examples
El acceso a la playa es libre para todos.
Access to the beach is free for everyone.
Tuvimos que cerrar el acceso por obras.
We had to close the entrance due to construction.
Masculine Noun
Even though it ends in '-o,' 'acceso' is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it: 'el acceso.'
aproximación
Examples
Esta cifra es solo una aproximación; no tenemos el total final.
This figure is just an approximation; we don't have the final total.
acercamiento
ah-ser-kah-MYEN-tohaserkaˈmjento
Examples
El acercamiento del avión a la pista fue muy suave.
The airplane's approach to the runway was very smooth.
Gracias al zoom, pudimos ver un acercamiento de la cara del león.
Thanks to the zoom, we could see a close-up of the lion's face.
El acercamiento de la tormenta nos obligó a entrar en casa.
The approach of the storm forced us to go inside.
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'o', remember it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un'.
Using 'a' for targets
When you want to say 'approach to something', use the word 'a' right after 'acercamiento'.
Confusion with 'acerca de'
Mistake: “Usar 'acercamiento de' para decir 'about'.”
Correction: Use 'acercamiento a' for physical movement; 'acerca de' is a separate phrase meaning 'about'.
enfoque
en-FO-kayenˈfoke
Examples
Necesitamos un nuevo enfoque para resolver este problema.
We need a new approach to solve this problem.
Su enfoque en la educación es muy innovador.
Her approach to education is very innovative.
Desde mi enfoque, la situación es clara.
From my perspective, the situation is clear.
Always Masculine
This word is always masculine, so you should use 'el' or 'un' before it, even though it ends in 'e'.
Focusing vs. Approach
Mistake: “Using 'foco' to mean a strategy or method.”
Correction: Use 'enfoque' for strategies or mental perspectives. 'Foco' usually refers to a physical lightbulb or the very center of something.
planteamiento
plan-te-ah-myen-tohplanteaˈmjento
Examples
Su planteamiento del problema es muy inteligente.
His approach to the problem is very smart.
No estoy de acuerdo con el planteamiento de la empresa.
I don't agree with the company's approach.
Necesitamos un cambio de planteamiento para ganar el partido.
We need a change of approach to win the match.
Making nouns from actions
This word ends in '-miento,' which is a common way in Spanish to turn an action word (plantear) into a thing (planteamiento). It describes the 'act or result' of setting something out.
Using 'de' with planteamiento
When you want to say what the approach is 'to,' use 'de.' For example: 'el planteamiento del problema' (the approach to the problem).
Not for 'planting' seeds
Mistake: “El planteamiento de los árboles.”
Correction: La plantación de los árboles.
táctica
Examples
El entrenador cambió la táctica en el segundo tiempo.
The coach changed the tactic in the second half.
política
Examples
La compañía tiene una política de no fumar dentro de la oficina.
The company has a policy of not smoking inside the office.
estrategia
es-trah-TEH-hee-ahes.tɾaˈte.xja
Examples
Nuestra estrategia de marketing funcionó muy bien el mes pasado.
Our marketing strategy worked very well last month.
Necesitamos una nueva estrategia para reducir los costos.
We need a new strategy to reduce costs.
¿Cuál es tu estrategia para ganar el campeonato de ajedrez?
What is your strategy for winning the chess championship?
Feminine Noun Rule
Even though this word ends in '-a' (like most feminine nouns), the related adjective is 'estratégico' (masculine) or 'estratégica' (feminine). Remember to always use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' with 'estrategia'.
Confusing Strategy and Tactic
Mistake: “Usar 'táctica' cuando se habla del plan general.”
Correction: Use 'estrategia' for the big, overall plan, and 'táctica' for the small, specific steps you take to execute the strategy.
fórmula
Examples
Su fórmula para el éxito es trabajo duro y disciplina.
His formula for success is hard work and discipline.
metodología
Examples
La metodología de este curso de idiomas es muy interactiva.
The methodology of this language course is very interactive.
venid
veh-NEEDbeˈnið
Examples
¡Chicos, venid a la mesa, la cena está lista!
Kids, come to the table, dinner is ready!
Si tenéis dudas, venid a verme después de clase.
If you all have doubts, come see me after class.
Venid inmediatamente si escucháis mi silbato.
Come immediately if you hear my whistle.
The 'Vosotros' Command
'Venid' is the affirmative command form for 'vosotros,' which means 'you all' or 'y'all.' It is used only in Spain to give a direct order or invitation to a group of friends or peers.
Formation Pattern
For most verbs, the 'vosotros' command is created by dropping the 'r' from the infinitive and adding 'd'. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'hablad', and 'venir' becomes 'venid'.
Using 'Venid' in Latin America
Mistake: “Using 'Venid' in Mexico or Argentina.”
Correction: In almost all of Latin America, you must use 'Vengan' (the 'ustedes' form) when commanding a group of people. 'Venid' will sound highly foreign there.
Physical movement vs. Method
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.