Acostumarse

Acostumbrarse is a Spanish reflexive verb that means to become accustomed to something or to adapt gradually to a new situation, habit, or environment. It emphasizes the subject’s own process of adjustment, rather than forcing change on someone else. The action can refer to adjusting to circumstances, routines, or ways of behaving.

Etymology and related forms: Acostumbrarse derives from costumbre (habit, custom) with the reflexive suffix -arse. The non-reflexive counterpart acostumbrar means to accustom someone to something. Acostumbrarse is used with the preposition a, followed by an infinitive or a noun.

Usage and examples: It is common to say acostumbrarse a + infinitive or acostumbrarse a + sustantivo. Examples include: “Me acostumbro a levantarme temprano,” “Se acostumbra a vivir con poco dinero,” or “Nos acostumbramos a la nueva oficina.” The verb is conjugated as a regular -ar verb in its reflexive forms: present yo me acostumbro, tú te acostumbras, él se acostumbra; imperfect yo me acostumbraba, tú te acostumabas; preterite yo me acostumbé, etc. The gerund is acostumbrándose and the past participle is acostumbrado.

Nuance and usage notes: Acostumbrarse often conveys a positive or neutral progression of adaptation, though it can also describe discomfort during a temporary adjustment. In contrast, acostumbrar (transitive) means to cause someone else to become accustomed to something, as in “La familia le acostumbró a comer verduras,” which shifts the agentive focus from the subject’s own adaptation to influencing another. Synonyms include habituarse and acostumbrarse.