acurrucarse
/akuruˈkaɾse/
The Spanish phrase for cuddle up is acurrucarse.
acurrucarse is used to describe the act of cuddling up, but it specifically carries the sense of curling up or nestling into a small space or position.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, Abrazarse can be used to mean cuddling up.
How does it change in a sentence?
acurrucarse is a reflexive verb, which means it requires reflexive pronouns such as me, te, se, nos or os to show that the subject is performing the action on themselves. For example, the third person singular past tense form is se acurrucó to say he, she or it cuddled up.
How do you pronounce it?
/akuruˈkaɾse/
Did you know?
- While acurrucarse focuses on the shape of the body, the term apapachar is used in Mexico to describe a 'soul-hugging' cuddle that provides deep emotional comfort.
- If you want to describe a 'cuddle puddle' or a group of people huddling together, you might use the verb amontonarse, which literally means to pile up like things in a heap.
- In some regions, acurrucarse can be used figuratively to describe someone who is hiding or shrinking away out of fear or shame, rather than for affection.
Examples in context
- Acurrúcate en mis brazosCuddle up in my arms
- Recuéstate a mi lado y abrázameLie down at my side and hug me
- ¡Acurrúcate!Cuddle up!
- Vamos a abrazarnosLet's cuddle up.
- Me acurruqué con mi gato en el sofá.I cuddled up with my cat on the sofa.
- Los gatos prefieren acurrucarse en el sofá.Cats prefer to cuddle up on the sofa.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are watching a movie on a cold evening.
- MaríaHace mucho frío esta noche.It is very cold tonight.
- Mateo¿Quieres acurrucarse conmigo?Do you want to cuddle up with me?
- MaríaSí, traigo una manta cómoda.Yes, I'll bring a cozy blanket.
- MateoPerfecto, así estaremos calientes.Perfect, that way we will be warm.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry acurrucarse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
