acerca de
Lemma Details
Translation: about; concerning; regarding; with regard to; on the subject of
Part of Speech: preposition
Etymology: The preposition 'acerca de' comes from combining 'a' (to) + 'cerca' (near) + 'de' (of). 'Cerca' derives from Latin 'circa' meaning 'around' or 'about', which is also the source of English words like 'circle', 'circulate', and 'circumference'. The construction literally means 'near to' or 'close to' a topic, which evolved to mean 'about' or 'concerning' in abstract contexts.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Quiero hablar contigo acerca de tu futuro.
I want to talk to you about your future.
El libro trata acerca de la historia de España.
The book is about the history of Spain.
Tengo dudas acerca de este proyecto.
I have doubts about this project.
No sé nada acerca de física cuántica.
I don't know anything about quantum physics.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a cerca de' as 'getting near to' a topic - you're approaching a subject.
- Remember that 'cerca' means 'near' - so you're talking about things that are 'near to' the topic at hand.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This preposition is widely used in both formal and informal contexts in Spanish. It's essential for academic writing, news reporting, and everyday conversation when introducing topics.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'acerca de' means 'about' or 'concerning' (abstract proximity to a topic), 'cerca de' means 'near' or 'close to' (physical proximity).
Confused word:
Vivo cerca de la universidad.
I live near the university.
Notes: The confusion stems from the fact that both phrases contain 'cerca', but they function differently in context.
Mnemonic: 'Acerca de' has an extra 'a' - think 'A' for 'Abstract' proximity to topics.
Explanation: 'Acerca de' and 'sobre' can both mean 'about', but 'sobre' has additional meanings like 'on top of' or 'above' that 'acerca de' doesn't have.
Confused word:
El libro está sobre la mesa.
The book is on the table.
Notes: 'Sobre' is generally more common and can often replace 'acerca de', but not vice versa when referring to physical position.
Mnemonic: 'Sobre' is shorter and more versatile (physical and abstract), while 'acerca de' is longer and only for abstract topics.