Inklingo

How to Say "i complement" in Spanish

English → Spanish

acompaño

a-kom-PA-nyoakomˈpaɲo

verbB1
Use 'acompaño' when you are describing how something (or you) goes well with or enhances something else, like adding a side dish to a meal or playing music alongside a melody.
An illustration of two musicians collaborating, one playing a cello and the other playing a simple tambourine next to them, demonstrating playing along with a musical performance.

Examples

Yo acompaño el vino tinto con un buen corte de carne.

I pair the red wine with a good cut of meat.

Yo acompaño la melodía con la guitarra.

I play the guitar along with the melody.

Para esta cena, acompaño el pescado con un vino blanco seco.

For this dinner, I pair the fish with a dry white wine.

Using 'Con' in this Context

When talking about pairing or complementing, you MUST use the preposition 'con' (with) to introduce the element that is being added. Example: 'Acompaño el plato con arroz' (I accompany the dish with rice).

complemento

kom-ple-MEN-tohkompleˈmento

verbB1
Use 'complemento' when you are the subject making something complete or adding to it to reach a full amount, such as supplementing your diet or completing a set.
A person placing the final missing piece into a jigsaw puzzle.

Examples

Yo complemento mi sueldo trabajando los fines de semana.

I supplement my salary by working on weekends.

Yo complemento mi dieta con vitaminas.

I supplement my diet with vitamins.

Complemento el trabajo de mi compañero.

I complement my colleague's work.

Don't confuse with 'Cumplimentar'

While 'complemento' is about adding to something, 'cumplimentar' is a fancy word for filling out forms or paying a compliment to someone.

Spelling slip-up

Mistake: “Writing 'complimento' with an 'i'.”

Correction: Always use 'e' (complemento). Think of 'complete' to help you remember the 'e'.

Accompaño vs. Complemento

Learners often confuse 'acompaño' and 'complemento' because both can imply adding something. Remember, 'acompaño' is about pairing or going well together, while 'complemento' means you are actively filling a gap or making something complete.

Related Translations

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