Lael logo

encontrar means to find — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 16, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

encontrar

verb • /[en-kon-TRAR]/

to find

Example:

No puedo encontrar mis llaves por ningún lado.

I can't find my keys anywhere.

🔍 See more essential spanish words

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store

🧠 What does encontrar mean?

Encontrar is a common Spanish verb meaning 'to find' or 'to encounter.' It can refer to discovering something unexpectedly, locating something you were searching for, or meeting someone. It can also be used figuratively, like finding a solution or finding oneself.

📚 Extra examples

  • Encontré las llaves debajo del sofá.
    I found the keys under the sofa.
  • Espero encontrar un buen trabajo pronto.
    I hope to find a good job soon.
  • Me encontré con un viejo amigo en el supermercado.
    I ran into an old friend at the supermarket.
  • ¿Encontraste la información que buscabas?
    Did you find the information you were looking for?
  • No puedo encontrar mi teléfono.
    I can't find my phone.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to find' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to find' in Spanish is 'encontrar.'
How do you pronounce 'encontrar' in Spanish?
Encontrar is pronounced ehn-kohn-TRAR, with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'encontrar' in a sentence?
You can use 'encontrar' in many ways, such as 'Encontré un buen restaurante' (I found a good restaurant) or 'No puedo encontrar mis llaves' (I can't find my keys).
What is the English translation of 'encontrar'?
'Encontrar' translates to 'to find,' 'to encounter,' or 'to come across' in English.
Does 'encontrar' change for gender or number?
No, 'encontrar' itself doesn't change for gender or number, but it conjugates according to the subject of the sentence (e.g., yo encuentro, tú encuentras, él/ella/usted encuentra, nosotros/as encontramos, vosotros/as encontráis, ellos/ellas/ustedes encuentran).
Is 'encontrar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'encontrar' is a very common verb used in everyday Spanish conversations.
Does 'encontrar' have slang or double meanings?
While 'encontrar' doesn't have many slang uses, it can sometimes take on a slightly different meaning depending on the context, such as 'encontrarse' meaning 'to feel' (e.g., 'Me encuentro bien' - I feel well).
Is 'encontrar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The usage of 'encontrar' is generally the same across Spain and Latin America. There might be slight regional variations in pronunciation, but the meaning remains consistent.
How do you conjugate 'encontrar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense conjugation: Yo encuentro Tú encuentras Él/ella/usted encuentra Nosotros/as encontramos Vosotros/as encontráis Ellos/ellas/ustedes encuentran

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "encontrar"

Synonyms: hallar, descubrir, toparse con
Opposites: perder

💡 Did You Know?

The reflexive form, 'encontrarse,' can mean 'to be located' or 'to feel.' For example, 'Me encuentro en Madrid' (I'm in Madrid) or 'Me encuentro feliz' (I feel happy).

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store