Spanish Phrase
Acerca tu tarjeta ahora.
Meaning
A direct, informal command telling someone to bring their card close to a device or reader immediately. It is the kind of phrase you hear at a payment terminal, a subway gate, or any self‑service kiosk that requires a card to be placed near a sensor.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are the operator of a machine (cash register, ticket gate, vending machine) and need the user to position their card close to the reader. It works best in informal settings or when you have a familiar relationship with the listener.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Acercatutarjetaahora
Acerca (imperative)
‘Acerca’ is the affirmative tú‑imperative of the verb ‘acercar’ (to bring closer). It is used for informal commands.
tu (possessive adjective)
‘tu’ (without accent) is the possessive adjective meaning ‘your’, agreeing in gender and number with the noun that follows.
tarjeta (noun)
‘tarjeta’ is a feminine singular noun meaning ‘card’ (credit, debit, ID, etc.).
ahora (adverb)
‘ahora’ means ‘now’ and adds urgency to the command.
🗨In Conversation
Acerca tu tarjeta ahora.
Bring your card close now.
Listo, ya la acerqué.
Done, I’ve brought it close.
✕Common Mistakes
Acerca de tu tarjeta ahora.
‘Acerca de’ means ‘about’, not a command. The correct imperative is just ‘Acerca’.
Acerca su tarjeta ahora.
When speaking formally you must use the usted‑imperative ‘Acérquese’, not ‘Acerca’.
Acerca tu tarjetas ahora.
‘Tarjeta’ is singular; if you mean multiple cards you would say ‘tarjetas’ and adjust the verb to ‘acercad’ for vosotros or use a plural command.
↔Alternatives
Acerca la tarjeta ahora.
Bring the card close now.
Pasa tu tarjeta ahora.
Swipe your card now.
Acerca tu tarjeta al lector, por favor.
Please bring your card close to the reader.
Acérquese su tarjeta ahora.
Bring your card close now. (formal ‘usted’)
Cultural Tip
‘Acerca’ is informal (tú). In a formal context—e.g., speaking to a customer you don’t know—you would use the usted‑imperative: ‘Acérquese su tarjeta ahora.’ Also, avoid confusing ‘acerca’ with the phrase ‘acerca de’, which means ‘about’ (e.g., ‘acerca de la película’). The tone of voice matters: a friendly, upbeat tone makes the command sound helpful rather than abrupt.