acurrucarse
/akuruˈkaɾse/
The English phrase 'cuddling' is translated into Spanish as acurrucarse.
The term refers to holding someone close in your arms to show love or to provide comfort. The transitive form acurrucar can be used when you are cuddling a specific object or person, such as acurrucar al bebé (to cuddle the baby).
Which one should you use?
The reflexive form acurrucarse is used for the general act of snuggling up, whereas the non-reflexive form acurrucar is used transitively to mean nesting or cuddling a specific person or thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form acurrucarse is a reflexive verb, which means the action is performed by the subject upon themselves or with another person. When using the third person singular present tense, the reflexive pronoun se is used, as in se acurruca (he/she cuddles). To express the act of cuddling with another person, use the preposition con (with), resulting in the phrase acurrucarse con alguien.
How do you pronounce it?
/akuruˈkaɾse/
Did you know?
- If you want to describe a cuddle that reaches the very soul, use the word apapachar. This term originates from the Nahuatl language and is widely used in Mexico to express a profound, soulful embrace.
- The verb mimar is frequently used by parents and grandparents. Although it can mean 'to spoil' in a negative sense, in a family context, it refers to the gentle, affectionate cuddling of a child.
- While acurrucarse is often used for people, it is also the standard way to describe a pet or even a small animal curling up into a ball to stay warm.
Examples in context
- Podemos abrazarnosWe can cuddle/hug
- Vamos a achucharnos en el sofáLet's cuddle up on the couch
- Me gusta arrimarme a tiI like to cuddle up to you
- Quiero acurrucarme contigo, mi vida.I want to cuddle with you, my love.
- Así como Bella y Edward se abrazan en "Crepúsculo," quiero abrazarte con la misma pasión.Just like Bella and Edward cuddle in "Twilight," I want to hug you with the same passion.
- Me gusta acurrucarme contigo en el sofá.I like to cuddle with you on the sofa.
- El gato prefiere acurrucarse en mi regazo.The cat prefers cuddling in my lap.
- A los niños les encanta acurrucarse para dormir.Children love cuddling to go to sleep.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are relaxing on the couch.
- ElenaHace mucho frío hoy, Daniel.It is very cold today, Daniel.
- DanielTienes razón, Elena. ¿Quieres acurrucarse?You are right, Elena. Do you want to cuddle?
- ElenaSí, me encantaría.Yes, I would love to.
- DanielVen aquí, así estaremos más calientes.Come here, this way we will be warmer.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry acurrucarse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
