acostumbrarse
/akostumbɾaɾse/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'get used to something' is translated as acostumbrarse.
The phrase is used to describe the process of becoming familiar with something so that it no longer seems strange or difficult. You might use acabar de acostumbrarse a algo to specify that someone has just recently become used to something, or tomarle el ritmo a algo to describe getting used to the rhythm or pace of something.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb acostumbrarse is built from the root costumbre, which means 'habit' or 'custom'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb acostumbrarse is almost always followed by the preposition a when it is followed by a noun or a verb. Because it is a reflexive verb, you must use reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, se) to indicate who is getting used to the thing, such as me acostumbré (I got used to) or nos acostumbramos (we got used to).
How do you pronounce it?
/akostumbɾaɾse/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase ya me acostumbré as a resigned way to express that they have accepted a bad situation they cannot change.
- In legal or formal Spanish, the term usos y costumbres refers to traditional norms that may hold the weight of law in certain indigenous communities.
- The word acostumbrado can function as an adjective meaning 'usual' or 'regular', such as when ordering your café acostumbrado at a cafe.
Examples in context
- Me estoy acostumbrando a la comida picante.I'm getting used to spicy food.
- Me estoy adaptando a mi nuevo horario de trabajo.I am adapting to my new work schedule.
- Le estoy pillando el tranquillo a la conducción en esta ciudad.I'm getting used to driving in this city.
- Poco a poco le voy cogiendo el hilo a este juego.Little by little, I'm getting used to this game.
- Acabo de acostumbrarme a levantarme temprano por las mañanas.I just got used to waking up early in the mornings.
- Me acostumbré al ruido.I got used to the noise.
- Se acostumbró a vivir solo.He/she got used to living alone.
- Es difícil acostumbrarse a vivir en la ciudad.It is difficult to get used to living in the city.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are talking about moving to a new city.
- María¿Ya te acostumbraste a vivir aquí?Have you gotten used to living here yet?
- MateoTodavía no, pero estoy intentando acostumbrarme.Not yet, but I am trying to get used to it.
- MaríaEs normal, toma tiempo acostumbrarse al ruido.It's normal, it takes time to get used to the noise.
- MateoS, creo que pronto me acostumbraré.Yes, I think I'll get used to it soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
