encaminar
“encaminar” means “to direct” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to direct, to guide
Also: to set on the right track, to channel
📝 In Action
El recepcionista encaminó a los invitados al salón principal.
A2The receptionist directed the guests to the main hall.
Debemos encaminar nuestros esfuerzos a reducir la contaminación.
B1We must direct our efforts toward reducing pollution.
Su mentor lo encaminó hacia una carrera exitosa en leyes.
B2His mentor set him on the path to a successful law career.
to head toward, to be bound for
📝 In Action
Después del trabajo, se encaminó a su casa.
B1After work, he headed toward his house.
La negociación se encamina hacia un acuerdo final.
B2The negotiation is heading toward a final agreement.
Nos encaminamos al estadio para el partido.
B1We made our way to the stadium for the game.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: encaminar
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the best translation for 'encaminar esfuerzos'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Formed from the prefix 'en-' (within/into) and 'camino' (path/road), which comes from the Late Latin 'caminus'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'encaminar' the same as 'guiar'?
They are very similar, but 'guiar' suggests walking alongside someone to show the way, while 'encaminar' often means simply pointing them in the right direction or getting them started on the right track.
Can I use 'encaminar' for physical objects?
Yes, you can 'encaminar' water through a pipe or 'encaminar' a letter to the right department.
Is it a regular verb?
Yes! It follows the standard pattern for all '-ar' verbs in every tense.