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acercar
/a.θeɾˈkaɾ/
to bring closer
Necesito acercar la silla a la mesa para comer.
I need to bring the chair closer to the table to eat.
general
to bring something physically closer to someone or something else
Acércame ese libro, por favor.
Bring me that book, please.
El niño acercó el juguete a su madre.
The child brought the toy closer to his mother.
Used transitively with a direct object (e.g., 'acercar algo').
figurative
to bring two things closer in time or relationship
El evento acercó a los antiguos amigos.
The event brought the old friends closer together.
La crisis acercó a la comunidad.
The crisis brought the community closer.
Often used reflexively ('acercarse') for emotional or relational closeness.
Collocations
acercar a alguien a algoto bring someone closer to somethingacercarse a alguiento get closer to someone
Pro Tip
Reflexive vs. Non-reflexive
Use 'acercar' (non-reflexive) for physical movement of an object (e.g., 'Acércame el vaso'). Use 'acercarse' (reflexive) for movement toward a person/place (e.g., 'Se acercó a la ventana').
Gold Rule
Preposition 'a'
When 'acercar' is followed by a person or object, use 'a' to indicate direction (e.g., 'acercar el libro a María').
Word Origin
From Latin *accersāre* (to summon), derived from *accersere* (to summon), possibly influenced by *acercar* in Old Spanish.
Usage Notes
1. Often used with 'a' to indicate direction (e.g., 'acercar algo a alguien'). 2. Reflexive form 'acercarse' is common for physical movement toward someone/something. 3. Figurative uses imply emotional or relational proximity.
Word Breakdown
a-
prefix indicating direction toward
prefix-cercar
from Latin *circāre* (to go around), related to 'cerca' (near)
rootDiccionario Español-Inglés