What does it mean word for word?
The verb acurrucarse literally means 'to curl up'.
Which one should you use?
While acurrucarse focuses on curling up or settling into a cozy position, other forms like arropar are used when the intent is to wrap someone up for comfort and warmth. If you are specifically cuddling an infant or a small child, you might use tomar en brazos, which means 'to hold in one's arms'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the verb achuchar is used to describe cuddling tightly or squeezing someone affectionately.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is reflexive, meaning you cuddle yourself or settle yourself into a cozy position. To cuddle another person, the reflexive pronoun is dropped and the direct object is used instead, forming the phrase acurrucar a alguien.
How do you pronounce it?
/akuruˈkaɾse/
Did you know?
- The Mexican Spanish word apapachar is often described as 'to cuddle with the soul', coming from the Nahuatl word for 'to wrap in a cloth'. It suggests a much deeper, spiritual affection than a simple physical hug.
- While acurrucarse describes the physical act of curling up, Spanish speakers often use the word mimando to describe the broader emotional act of cuddling, pampering and showing affection.
- The root of acurrucarse implies a sense of diminishing size, as it describes the physical act of curling into a smaller, more compact shape.
Examples in context
- Después de un largo día, nada me reconforta más que abrazarte.After a long day, there's nothing more comforting than cuddling with you.
- Me encanta hacer cucharita contigo antes de dormir.I love cuddling with you before sleeping.
- Después de una larga caminata, nos acurrucamos en el sofá viendo una película.After a long walk, we snuggled on the couch and watched a movie.
- Me encanta achucharte en las noches frías.I love cuddling you on cold nights.
- Me acurruco con mi gato para entrar en calor.I cuddle with my cat to get warm.
- Los niños quieren acurrucarse con su madre.The children want to cuddle with their mother.
- Es bueno acurrucarse bajo la manta cuando hace frío.It is good to cuddle under the blanket when it is cold.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are watching a movie in the living room.
- MaríaTengo mucho frío, Alejandro.I am very cold, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¡Ven aquí! Podemos acurrucarse.Come here! We can cuddle.
- MaríaGracias, así estoy más cómoda.Thanks, I am more comfortable this way.
- AlejandroEs la mejor parte de la película.It's the best part of the movie.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry acurrucarse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
