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"Acostarse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to go to bed", and "despertarse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to wake up". Learn more about the difference between "acostarse" and "despertarse" below.
acostarse()
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
2. (to recline)
a. to lie down
Se acostó en la arena y se puso la camisa en la cabeza.She lay down in the sand and put her shirt over her head.
acostar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to put to bed
Acosté a los niños, y luego me acosté yo.I put the children to bed and then went to bed myself.
a. to lay down
Acuesta a la paciente y levántale las piernas.Lay the patient down and raise her legs.
despertarse()
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
despertar, el despertar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
4. (to conjure)
a. to awaken
Los olores despertaron viejos recuerdos de la infancia.The smells awakened old childhood memories.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
