acompañan

Acompañan is the third-person plural present indicative form of the Spanish verb acompañar. It corresponds to “they accompany” or, in formal contexts, “you (plural) accompany.” The verb acompañar is regular in the present tense, with the stem acompañ- and the standard -ar endings: acompaño, acompañas, acompaña, acompañamos, acompañáis, acompañan.

Usage and meaning: Acompañar generally means to go with someone to provide company or support. It is used with the preposition a before the person being accompanied: “Ellos acompañan a sus amigos al concierto.” The sense can also extend to accompaniment of a meal or event, as in “La cena se acompaña con vino” or “Acompañaron la cena con vino tinto.” In musical or artistic contexts, acompañar can mean to provide accompaniment.

Grammatical notes: Acompañar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugation follows standard patterns for all persons and tenses. Examples: present indicative (yo acompaño, tú acompañas, él acompaña, nosotros acompañamos, vosotros acompañáis, ellos acompañan); imperfect (acompañaban); future (acompañarán). The verb also forms common periphrases with haber (han acompañado) and supports subjunctive forms (que acompañe, que acompañen).

Etymology: The verb derives from acompañón/compañar traditions in Spanish, built from the prefix a- plus the idea of company or fellowship within “compañar.” The form acompa- reflects the core meaning of providing company or being in someone's company.

See also: acompañar (the infinitive and base form), acompañamiento (the noun meaning accompaniment).