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reconocer means to recognize / to acknowledge — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 31, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

reconocer

verb • /[reh-koh-no-SEHR]/

to recognize / to acknowledge

Example:

Es importante reconocer los errores del pasado.

It is important to acknowledge the mistakes of the past.

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🧠 What does reconocer mean?

The Spanish verb "reconocer" is versatile and can mean both "to recognize" (as in identifying someone or something) and "to acknowledge" (as in admitting or accepting something as true). It often implies a sense of familiarity or prior knowledge. Think of it as the act of "re-knowing" something.

📚 Extra examples

  • No reconocí a mi amigo con su nuevo corte de pelo.
    I didn't recognize my friend with his new haircut.
  • Reconoció su error y se disculpó.
    He acknowledged his mistake and apologized.
  • El gobierno reconoció la independencia del nuevo país.
    The government recognized the independence of the new country.
  • Reconocí la canción enseguida.
    I recognized the song immediately.
  • Es importante reconocer tus propios límites.
    It's important to acknowledge your own limits.

❓ FAQ

How do you say '{{transtation}}' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for both 'to recognize' and 'to acknowledge' is often "reconocer".
How do you pronounce 'reconocer' in Spanish?
It's pronounced reh-koh-noh-SEHR, with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'reconocer' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: "No reconocí a mi amigo" (I didn't recognize my friend), or "Reconoció su error" (He acknowledged his mistake).
What is the English translation of 'reconocer'?
It translates to both "to recognize" and "to acknowledge" in English.
Does 'reconocer' change for gender or number?
No, the meaning doesn't change based on gender. However, like all verbs, it conjugates to agree with the subject in person and number (yo reconozco, tú reconoces, él/ella/usted reconoce, etc.).
Is 'reconocer' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, "reconocer" is quite common and used in a variety of situations, both formal and informal.
Does 'reconocer' have slang or double meanings?
While not slang, "reconocer" can have nuanced meanings depending on context, such as "to admit" or "to concede." Pay attention to the surrounding words for clues.
Is 'reconocer' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning and usage remain consistent across Spain and Latin America.
How do you conjugate 'reconocer' in Spanish?
Here's a present tense example: yo reconozco, tú reconoces, él/ella/usted reconoce, nosotros/nosotras reconocemos, vosotros/vosotras reconocéis, ellos/ellas/ustedes reconocen. For other tenses, consult a verb conjugation chart or resource.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "reconocer"

Synonyms: admitir, confesar, identificar, distinguir
Opposites: ignorar, desconocer, negar

💡 Did You Know?

The prefix "re-" in "reconocer" emphasizes the act of "knowing again," reinforcing the idea of familiarity.

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