The Imperfect Tense of acercar is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, for example: Me acercaba a la ventana para ver el atardecer. (I used to approach the window to see the sunset.)

Acercar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in the Imperfect Tense follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Acercar (to bring near) in the Imperfect Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

The imperfect tense of acercar is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past.

To approach or get closer: For example, Me acercaba a la ventana para ver mejor (I was approaching the window to see better). This can also be used figuratively, like se acercaba el final del año (the end of the year was approaching).

To bring closer: For example, Acercaba la silla a la mesa (I was bringing the chair closer to the table). This can also mean to offer or provide something, like te acerco un vaso de agua (I’ll bring you a glass of water).

To get physically close (colloquial): For example, No te me acerques tanto, respeta mi espacio (Don’t get so close to me, respect my space). This can have a flirtatious or sexual connotation in some contexts.

To get emotionally close (colloquial): For example, Nos acercamos mucho durante ese viaje (We got really close during that trip). This implies developing a deeper bond or intimacy with someone.

Examples

Examples of Acercar in the Imperfect Tense

Yo me acercaba a la ventana para ver el amanecer. (I would approach the window to see the sunrise.)

Ella se acercaba al mostrador para pedir información. (She would approach the counter to ask for information.)

Nosotros nos acercábamos al grupo de turistas para escuchar la explicación del guía. (We would approach the group of tourists to listen to the guide’s explanation.)

Tú te acercabas demasiado a la jaula de los leones, ¡era peligroso! (You would get too close to the lion’s cage, it was dangerous!)

Ellos se acercaban a la barra para pedir unas cervezas después del trabajo. (They would approach the bar to order some beers after work.)

Yo me acercaba al escenario para tener una mejor vista del concierto. (I would approach the stage to have a better view of the concert.)

Ella se acercaba al vendedor ambulante para comprar unas frutas frescas. (She would approach the street vendor to buy some fresh fruit.)

Nosotros nos acercábamos al quiosco para comprar los periódicos de la mañana. (We would approach the newsstand to buy the morning newspapers.)

Tú te acercabas al fuego para calentarte las manos en la fogata. (You would approach the fire to warm your hands by the campfire.)

Ellos se acercaban al estanque para alimentar a los patos con migajas de pan. (They would approach the pond to feed the ducks with bread crumbs.)

Yo me acercaba al mostrador de información para preguntar por las direcciones. (I would approach the information counter to ask for directions.)

Ella se acercaba al puesto de tacos para comprar unos ricos tacos al pastor. (She would approach the taco stand to buy some delicious al pastor tacos.)

Nosotros nos acercábamos al escenario para felicitar a los actores después de la obra de teatro. (We would approach the stage to congratulate the actors after the play.)

Tú te acercabas al borde de la piscina para refrescarte en el agua. (You would approach the edge of the pool to cool off in the water.)

Ellos se acercaban al puesto de artesanías para comprar algunos recuerdos típicos. (They would approach the craft stall to buy some typical souvenirs.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Acercar (to bring near) in the Imperfect Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Imperfect tense is also known as the Past Imperfect, Descriptive Past, Past Progressive, or Imperfect Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Imperfecto, Copretérito, Imperfecto de Indicativo, or Pasado Descriptivo in Spanish.