encontrarse
“encontrarse” means “to be located” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to be located, to be situated
Also: to find oneself
📝 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.
to feel, to be
Also: to look (in a 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.
to meet, to run into
Also: to gather
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: encontrarse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'encontrarse' to describe a feeling?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the vulgar Latin *incontra*, which meant 'against' or 'facing'. When combined with the verb 'to find' (*tropar*), it created the idea of finding something by chance, or coming face-to-face with it. The reflexive form emphasizes the subject's relationship to the finding or location.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
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).