acompañar
verbCEFR B2High frequency
What does “acompañar” mean in English?
to accompany, to go with someone
to accompany, to go with someone (acompañar a alguien — voluntary, collaborative presence)
Example sentences
Un psicólogo acompaña a los supervivientes durante todo el proceso de recuperación.
A psychologist accompanies the survivors throughout the entire recovery process.
¿Te acompaño al hospital, o prefieres ir solo?
Shall I come with you to the hospital, or do you prefer to go alone?
La música que acompañaba el documental reforzaba el tono emotivo de las imágenes.
The music that accompanied the documentary reinforced the emotional tone of the images.
How to use it
Acompañar means 'to accompany' or 'to go with'. It covers both literal movement (walking somewhere with someone) and figurative support (a specialist accompanying a team throughout a process). It takes a direct object: 'la acompañé al aeropuerto'. In formal contexts, acompañar a alguien en algo expresses solidarity: 'los acompañamos en su dolor'. Don't confuse with seguir (to follow behind) or escolta r (to escort with security). Acompañar implies voluntary, collaborative presence.
Common mistake
English speakers often use 'accompany' only in formal contexts, but acompañar is equally natural in everyday speech. Also, note that 'acompañar a alguien en' (to accompany someone in their grief/joy) is a fixed formula of solidarity with no direct English equivalent — 'I share your pain' or 'our thoughts are with you' are the closest.