adquirir
Lemma Details
Translation: to acquire; to obtain; to get; to purchase; to buy; to gain
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'adquirere', composed of 'ad' (to, toward) and 'quaerere' (to seek, obtain). The English cognate 'acquire' shares the same Latin root. The 'qu' sound in both languages preserves the original Latin pronunciation. While English uses 'acquire' primarily for obtaining things, Spanish 'adquirir' has a slightly broader usage that encompasses purchasing and gaining knowledge or habits.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La empresa adquirió tres nuevas sucursales.
The company acquired three new branches.
Adquirí este libro en una tienda de segunda mano.
I purchased this book at a second-hand store.
Es importante adquirir buenos hábitos desde joven.
It's important to acquire good habits from a young age.
Adquirió la nacionalidad española el año pasado.
He obtained Spanish citizenship last year.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ad-QUIRE' - when you acquire something, you add it to what you already have.
- The 'quir' part sounds like 'queer' in English - imagine acquiring something unusual or unique.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking business contexts, 'adquirir' is commonly used for corporate acquisitions and purchases. In everyday speech, it's often used for obtaining both tangible items and intangible qualities like skills or habits.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'adquirir' means 'to acquire' or 'to obtain', 'requerir' means 'to require' or 'to need'. They sound similar but have different meanings and uses.
Notes: Both are irregular verbs that follow similar conjugation patterns, which can add to the confusion.
Mnemonic: 'Adquirir' starts with 'ad' like 'add' - you're adding something to what you have. 'Requerir' starts with 're' like 'requirement' - something that is needed.
Explanation: 'Adquirir' means to obtain or acquire, while 'inquirir' means to inquire or investigate. They share the '-quirir' ending but have different meanings.
Confused word:
La policía inquirió sobre los detalles del accidente.
The police inquired about the details of the accident.
Notes: 'Inquirir' is less commonly used in everyday speech than 'adquirir'.
Mnemonic: 'Inquirir' has 'in' like 'inquire' - you're looking into something. 'Adquirir' has 'ad' like 'add' - you're adding something to your possessions.