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How to Say "used to" in Spanish

English → Spanish

solía

VerbA2General
Use this form to talk about actions or routines that happened regularly in the past but no longer do.

Examples

Cuando era joven, solía leer mucho.

When I was young, I used to read a lot.

acostumbrado

ah-kohs-toom-BRAH-doh/akostumˈbɾaðo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use this adjective to express that you are familiar with or accustomed to a person, place, or situation.
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.

I am already used to waking up early.

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'.)

Habit vs. Familiarity

The most common mistake is using 'acostumbrado' when you mean a past habit. Remember, 'solía' is for past routines ('I used to go'), while 'acostumbrado' describes a current state of being familiar ('I am used to it').

Related Translations

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