This exact word, 'encontramos', can mean 'we find' (present) or 'we found' (past). You have to use other words in the sentence, like 'ahora' (now) or 'ayer' (yesterday), to know which one it is.

Two Meanings, One Word

The verb 'encontrar' changes its 'o' to 'ue' (like 'yo encuentro'), but this change doesn't happen for the 'we' (nosotros) form. It stays 'encontramos', which is easier to remember!

No Stem Change for 'Nosotros'

When you mean 'we meet' someone, it's very common to use 'nos encontramos'. The 'nos' shows that the action is happening between us. 'Encontramos a Juan' (We found Juan) is different from 'Nos encontramos con Juan' (We met up with Juan).

Meeting vs. Finding

Extremely common. This is one of the first forms you'll learn for the verb 'encontrar'.

Using 'encontremos'

To signal you mean 'we found' (past), use time words like 'ayer' (yesterday), 'anoche' (last night), or 'la semana pasada' (last week). Without them, people might think you mean the present.

Context is Everything

This form is perfect for telling a story about a specific event. For example: 'El sábado fuimos al centro y encontramos una tienda nueva.' (On Saturday we went downtown and we found a new store.)

Telling a Story

Just as common as the present tense form. Essential for telling stories or talking about past events.

Learn the Spanish word 'encontramos'. Does it mean 'we find' or 'we found'? Discover the difference, see full conjugations for 'encontrar', examples, and grammar tips.

encontramos

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations