acostar
Lemma Details
Translation: to put to bed; to lay down; to put down; to tuck in
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Acostar comes from Latin 'accostare', formed from 'ad' (to, toward) + 'costa' (rib, side). The original meaning was 'to place at the side of' or 'to bring to the side', which evolved to mean 'to lay down'. The Latin 'costa' (rib, side) is also the root of English words like 'coast' (the side or edge of land) and 'costal' (relating to ribs). The connection to ribs makes sense when you think about lying on your side, with your ribs against the bed.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La madre acuesta a su bebé a las ocho.
The mother puts her baby to bed at eight.
Voy a acostar al niño antes de la cena.
I'm going to put the child to bed before dinner.
Acostaron al paciente en la camilla.
They laid the patient down on the stretcher.
Me acuesto temprano los días de semana.
I go to bed early on weekdays.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a-COST-ar' as the cost of being tired - you need to lie down.
- Remember 'costa' means 'coast' or 'side' in Latin - when you acostar, you lay on your side.
- Visualize tucking someone in 'a coast' (at the edge) of a bed.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, the verb 'acostar' is commonly used in family contexts, especially regarding children's bedtime routines. The reflexive form 'acostarse' is part of daily conversation about sleep habits.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'acostar' means 'to put to bed', 'acostumbrar' means 'to accustom' or 'to get used to'. They share similar spelling but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The reflexive forms also differ: 'acostarse' (to go to bed) vs. 'acostumbrarse' (to get accustomed to).
Mnemonic: Acostar is about the 'costa' (side) you lie on; acostumbrar is about 'costumbre' (custom/habit).
Explanation: 'Acostar' means 'to put to bed' while 'acordar' means 'to agree' or 'to decide'. They look and sound similar but have unrelated meanings.
Confused word:
Ellos acuerdan reunirse mañana.
They agree to meet tomorrow.
Notes: Both verbs are stem-changing: acostar (o→ue) and acordar (o→ue).
Mnemonic: Acordar has 'cord' in it, like 'accord' in English (agreement).