Spanish word

acercar

Pronunciation

IPA/aθeɾˈkaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbbring ... closer

Example

No acerques la mesa al borde.

Don't bring the table closer to the edge.

Illustration for acercar (bring ... closer)

More examples

¿Puedes acercar el micrófono, por favor?

Can you bring the microphone closer, please?

Core concept

A hand sliding a bowl closer on a table.

Common phrases

  • acercar la silla al niño

    bring the chair closer to the child

  • acercar el plato

    bring the plate closer

  • acercar la reunión

    bring the meeting forward

Similar words

traer: Brings something from elsewhere to the speaker or a specified place.
mover: Changes an object's position by pushing, pulling, or carrying it.
colocar: Places an object in a specific spot to establish its position.
arrimar: Moves an object up against an edge or side so it rests very close.

Definition in Spanish

Hacer que algo o alguien quede más cerca de otra cosa, tanto en sentido físico como en sentido figurado.

Word origin

From Latin ad- (reduced to a-) plus cerca, from Latin circa 'near', giving the sense of making something nearer.

Usage tips

  • Acercar is transitive and takes a direct object to mean bringing something closer, while acercarse is reflexive and signals the subject moves toward something.

Other meanings

  • move ... towardverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word