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"Soler" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to use to", and "acostumbrar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to be accustomed to". Learn more about the difference between "soler" and "acostumbrar" below.
soler(
soh
-
lehr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to use to (in past tense)
Solíamos irnos de vacaciones a San Sebastián.We used to go on vacation to San Sebastian.
b. to tend to
Suelen comer mucha comida rápida porque viajan mucho.They tend to eat a lot of fast food because they travel so much.
c. usually (as adverb)
Suele haber muchas fiestas en la playa durante el verano.There are usually a lot of parties on the beach in the summer.
d. to be in the habit of (with "-ing" form)
Sueles llegar a clase cinco minutos antes. ¿Qué ha pasado hoy?You're in the habit of getting to class five minutes early. What happened today?
acostumbrar(
ah
-
kohs
-
toom
-
brahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Acostumbraba cortarme el cabello con José.I used to get my hair cut by Jose.
¿Dónde acostumbrabas almorzar cuando trabajabas en el banco?Where did you use to have lunch when you worked at the bank?
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to get used to
Antes de sacar la planta de la maceta, debes acostumbrarla al lugar donde se va a plantar.Before you take the plant out of the pot, you should get it used to the place where it is going to be planted.
Hay que acostumbrar al bebé a comer comida sólida poco a poco.We need to get the baby used to eating solid food little by little.
acostumbrarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to get used to
Después de un año de vivir en el desierto, te acostumbras al calor. After a year of living in the desert, you get used to the heat.
