Acordar vs. acordarse
In Spanish, 'acordar' and 'acordarse' are two different verbs that can create some confusion for learners. Though they share the same root, they are used in distinct contexts.
Acordar
'Acordar' is a transitive verb that means 'to agree' or 'to decide'. It often involves mutual agreement or reaching a decision among people.
Los líderes acordaron un plan de acción.
(The leaders agreed on a plan of action.)
Vamos a acordar la fecha de la reunión.
(Let's agree on the date of the meeting.)
Acordaron reducir el presupuesto.
(They decided to reduce the budget.)
Acordarse
'Acordarse' is a pronominal verb (used with reflexive pronouns) meaning 'to remember'. It refers to recalling something from memory.
Me acuerdo de mi primer día de clases.
(I remember my first day of school.)
¿Te acuerdas de él?
(Do you remember him?)
Ella se acordó de traer los documentos.
(She remembered to bring the documents.)
Summary
'Acordar' means 'to agree' or 'to decide' and involves mutual agreement or decisions. 'Acordarse' means 'to remember', referring to recalling information from memory. While 'acordar' is typically used in business or formal settings, 'acordarse' is more personal and informal.