encontrarse
/en-kohn-TRAR-seh/
to be located
When used for physical situation, 'encontrarse' means 'to be located,' like a lighthouse located on a cliff.
encontrarse(verb)
to be located
?physical situation
,to be situated
?position
to find oneself
?in a place
📝 In Action
La oficina se encuentra en el centro de la ciudad.
A1The office is located in the center of the city.
¿Dónde se encuentra el baño, por favor?
A1Where is the restroom, please?
Nos encontramos justo al lado del parque.
A2We are situated right next to the park.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'se' is Essential
Even though this meaning is passive ('it is located'), you must always include the 'se' before the conjugated verb (e.g., 'se encuentra'). It makes the verb reflexive, meaning the subject is acting upon itself.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Location
Using 'encontrarse' instead of 'estar' often sounds slightly more formal or professional when describing where buildings, institutions, or landmarks are located.
When you use 'encontrarse' to mean 'to feel,' you describe your mood or state of health.
encontrarse(verb)
to feel
?health or mood
,to be
?condition
to look (in a state)
?appearance of state
📝 In Action
¿Cómo te encuentras hoy? Te ves cansado.
A2How are you feeling today? You look tired.
Me encuentro muy feliz con las noticias.
A2I feel very happy about the news.
Después del viaje, se encontraron agotados.
B1After the trip, they were exhausted.
💡 Grammar Points
Condition vs. Identity
Use 'encontrarse' (or 'estar') for how you feel right now (a temporary state), but use 'ser' for who you are (a permanent identity or characteristic).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Omitting the Pronoun
Mistake: "Yo encuentro bien."
Correction: Yo me encuentro bien. (The reflexive pronoun 'me' is required because the verb is 'encontrarse', not 'encontrar'.)
'Encontrarse' can mean 'to meet,' often used when two people come together.
encontrarse(verb)
to meet
?reciprocal meeting
,to run into
?accidental meeting
to gather
?a group meeting
📝 In Action
Nos encontramos en la cafetería a las 3:00 p.m.
B1We are meeting (each other) at the cafeteria at 3:00 p.m.
Ayer se encontraron con su viejo profesor en el supermercado.
B1Yesterday they ran into their old professor at the supermarket.
Espero encontrarme contigo pronto.
B2I hope to meet up with you soon.
💡 Grammar Points
Reciprocal Action
When used in the plural (nosotros, ellos), 'encontrarse' usually means 'to meet each other'. The reciprocal pronoun (nos, se) shows that the action goes both ways.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'encontrar' instead of 'encontrarse'
Mistake: "Vamos a encontrar en el cine. (We are going to find in the cinema.)"
Correction: Vamos a encontrarnos en el cine. (We are going to meet in the cinema.) 'Encontrar' means 'to find a thing', while 'encontrarse' means 'to meet a person' or 'to be located'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'con' for People
When you meet someone specific, follow 'encontrarse' with the preposition 'con': 'Me encontré con María' (I ran into María).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: encontrarse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'encontrarse' to describe a feeling?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'encontrar' and 'encontrarse'?
'Encontrar' (without the 'se') means 'to find' or 'to locate' a thing or person: 'Encontré mis llaves' (I found my keys). 'Encontrarse' (with the 'se') means 'to meet' someone, 'to be located,' or 'to feel' a certain way: 'Me encuentro bien' (I feel well).
When should I use 'encontrarse' instead of 'estar' for location?
Both are correct, but 'encontrarse' often provides a slightly more formal or professional tone when stating the permanent location of a building, monument, or office. It is also used to emphasize the exact position: 'Se encuentra justo en la esquina' (It is located right on the corner).