acomodar
/akomoˈdaɾ/
To accommodate is to say acomodar in Spanish.
acomodar is used to express the idea of containing something comfortably or having space for it. When you are specifically talking about accommodating people rather than objects or space, you often use the preposition a before the person or group, such as in acomodar a.
Meaning: to contain comfortably, have space for (verb)
Which one should you use?
While acomodar can mean to fit or arrange, if you specifically mean to accommodate in the sense of providing temporary lodging or housing for someone, the verb alojar is more precise.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, alojar is used as a synonym for acomodar or dar cabida a. In Argentina, albergar is a common synonym for dar cabida a or for providing lodging. In Spain, the verb acoger is often used to convey the idea of accommodating.
How does it change in a sentence?
acomodar is a regular -ar verb. For example, the third-person singular preterite (past tense) form is acomodó.
How do you pronounce it?
/akomoˈdaɾ/
Did you know?
- Beyond space and lodging, acomodar is used in Spanish to describe the act of settling a dispute or reaching a compromise between two parties.
- In some contexts, acomodarse is used as a colloquial way to describe someone who has become lazy or too comfortable in their current situation.
- The phrase acomodar las piezas is often used metaphorically to mean manipulating a situation or 'fixing' the facts to suit one's own needs.
Examples in context
- Este cine puede acomodar a dos mil espectadores.This cinema can accommodate two thousand spectators.This sentence shows how to use acomodar to express the capacity of a space for spectators.Tatoeba #11937910 by Eremon, translation #9681308 by Nylez
- El centro de convenciones está preparado para dar cabida a un gran número de personas.The convention center is ready to accommodate a large number of people.
- El albergue brinda alojamiento a personas con diferentes necesidades.The hostel accommodates people with different needs.
- Hazle lugar a tu amigo en la mesa.Make room for your friend at the table.
- Me tuve que adaptar al cambio en el horario de trabajo.I had to accommodate myself to the change in the work schedule.
- Nos ajustamos a tus necesidades para que te sientas cómodo.We accommodate your needs so that you feel comfortable.
- El hotel está listo para alojar a todos sus invitados.The hotel is ready to accommodate all its guests.
- Nuestro centro de convenciones puede albergar a una gran cantidad de personas.Our convention center can accommodate a large number of people.
- El albergue acoge a personas de diferentes nacionalidades.The hostel accommodates people from different nationalities.
- El sofá puede acomodar a tres personas.The sofa can accommodate three people.
- No sé si la mesa puede acomodar a tantos invitados.I don't know if the table can accommodate so many guests.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are planning a dinner party at her house.
- MaríaTengo una mesa grande en el comedor.I have a large table in the dining room.
- Alejandro¿Puede acomodar a diez invitados, María?Can it accommodate ten guests, María?
- MaríaSí, creo que podemos acomodar a todos.Yes, I think we can accommodate everyone.
- AlejandroPerfecto, entonces invite a más amigos.Perfect, then invite more friends.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry acomodar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
