Spanish Phrase
Acuérdate de llevar tu tarjeta.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct command or reminder to someone to not forget their card. It uses the reflexive verb 'acordarse de' which means 'to remember (to do something)'. The 'de' is crucial as it links 'acordarse' to the action that needs to be remembered.
When to use
You would use this phrase when reminding a friend, family member, or someone you have an informal relationship with, to bring a specific card. This could be a credit card, ID card, membership card, or any other type of card necessary for an activity or transaction.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Acuérdatedellevartutarjeta
Acuérdate (Acordarse de)
This is the informal 'tú' imperative form of the reflexive verb 'acordarse' (to remember). It always requires the preposition 'de' when followed by an infinitive to mean 'to remember to do something'.
de
The preposition 'de' is essential here, linking 'acordarse' to the action 'llevar'. Without it, the meaning would be incomplete or incorrect.
llevar
'Llevar' means 'to carry' or 'to take/bring (away from the speaker)'. It's commonly used when transporting an item from one place to another. Contrast with 'traer' (to bring to the speaker's location).
tu
'Tu' is the informal possessive adjective meaning 'your'. It agrees in number with the noun it modifies ('tarjeta' is singular).
tarjeta
This feminine noun means 'card'. It can refer to various types of cards, such as a credit card, ID card, or membership card.
🗨In Conversation
Mañana vamos al concierto, ¿verdad?
Tomorrow we're going to the concert, right?
Sí, ¡y acuérdate de llevar tu tarjeta para comprar las bebidas!
Yes, and remember to bring your card to buy the drinks!
✕Common Mistakes
Recuerda de llevar tu tarjeta.
While 'recordar' also means 'to remember', it does not typically take 'de' before an infinitive. 'Recordar llevar' would be correct, but 'acordarse de llevar' is more common for 'remember to do something'.
Acuérdate llevar tu tarjeta.
The verb 'acordarse' requires the preposition 'de' when followed by an infinitive to mean 'to remember to do something'.
Acuérdate de traer tu tarjeta.
While 'traer' means 'to bring', 'llevar' is generally preferred when the item is being taken from one place to another, especially if the speaker is not at the destination. 'Traer' implies bringing something to the speaker's current location.
↔Alternatives
No olvides tu tarjeta.
Don't forget your card.
Recuerda llevar tu tarjeta.
Remember to bring your card.
Es importante que lleves tu tarjeta.
It's important that you bring your card.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, direct commands like 'Acuérdate...' are common among friends and family and are not considered rude. However, in more formal settings or with strangers, you might soften the request with 'Por favor, acuérdate...' or use a more indirect phrasing like '¿Te acuerdas de llevar tu tarjeta?' (Do you remember to bring your card?). Always consider the context and your relationship with the person.