descubre
/des-KOO-breh/
discovers
When someone descubre (discovers) something new, they often have an exciting moment of realization.
descubre(verb)
discovers
?finding something new
,finds out
?learning a fact or secret
uncovers
?physically removing a cover
,reveals
?making something known
📝 In Action
Ella descubre la solución al problema en el último minuto.
A2She discovers the solution to the problem at the last minute.
Usted descubre que hablar español es más fácil de lo que pensaba.
B1You (formal) find out that speaking Spanish is easier than you thought.
El museo descubre un nuevo mural antiguo.
B2The museum uncovers a new ancient mural.
💡 Grammar Points
Present Tense Uses
This form describes an action happening now, a habitual action, or a future action that is guaranteed to happen soon ('Mañana descubre la verdad').
⭐ Usage Tips
Finding a Fact vs. Finding an Object
While 'descubrir' means 'to discover' (finding something new or unknown), 'encontrar' is often used for simply 'to find' a lost item.
Use ¡Descubre! (Discover!) when you are encouraging someone to explore or find something out.
descubre(verb)
Discover!
?commanding or encouraging someone (tú)
,Find out!
?telling someone to learn information (tú)
Uncover!
?physical command (tú)
📝 In Action
¡Descubre el mundo con tus propios ojos!
B1Discover the world with your own eyes!
Si tienes dudas, ¡descubre la respuesta en el libro!
A2If you have doubts, find out the answer in the book!
Descubre tu talento oculto.
B2Discover your hidden talent.
💡 Grammar Points
Affirmative 'tú' Commands
For most regular verbs, the informal command form ('tú') is the same as the 'él/ella/usted' form in the present tense, which is why 'descubre' works for both!
Attaching Pronouns
When you use a command, pronouns (like 'lo' or 'la') are attached to the end: 'Descúbrelo' (Discover it).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong command form
Mistake: "¡Descubras la verdad!"
Correction: ¡Descubre la verdad! (The 'tú' command is not the subjunctive form.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: descubre
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'descubre' as a command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'descubre' mean two different things?
This happens often in Spanish! 'Descubre' is the specific form used both when you are talking about 'He/She/It/You (formal) discovers' (present tense statement) and when you are giving a friendly order, 'Discover!' (informal command).
Is the past participle 'descubierto' irregular?
Yes, it is! While the main verb 'descubrir' follows regular -ir patterns in most tenses, its past participle is 'descubierto' instead of the expected 'descubrido'. Remember this irregular form when forming perfect tenses.