encuentre
“encuentre” means “find (that I/he/she/it find)” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
find (that I/he/she/it find), find (you formal command)
Also: locate
📝 In Action
Espero que mi jefe no encuentre el error.
B1I hope that my boss doesn't find the mistake.
Busque bien hasta que lo encuentre.
B2Search thoroughly until you (formal) find it.
No creo que la solución se encuentre tan fácilmente.
B2I don't believe the solution is found so easily.
meet (that I/he/she/it meet)
Also: encounter, be located
📝 In Action
Necesito que nos encontremos en la estación.
B1I need us to meet at the station. (Note: 'encontremos' is the 'we' form of the present subjunctive.)
Ojalá que se encuentre bien después del viaje.
B2Hopefully, he/she is well after the trip. (Uses the reflexive 'encontrarse' to mean 'to be located' or 'to feel'.)
No importa dónde se encuentre la oficina, iré.
B2It doesn't matter where the office is located, I will go.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: encuentre
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'encuentre' to express a wish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Late Latin *incontrāre*, which is a combination of the prefix *in-* (meaning 'into' or 'in') and *contrā* (meaning 'against' or 'opposite'). Its original meaning was simply 'to stand opposite' or 'to run into' someone, which evolved into the modern sense of 'to meet' or 'to find'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'encuentre' the same as 'encuentra'?
'encuentre' and 'encuentra' are two different forms of the same verb. 'encuentra' is the simple present tense (He/She/It finds), used for facts. 'encuentre' is the special form (subjunctive) used for wishes, doubts, emotions, and formal commands.
How do I know if I should use 'encuentre' or 'encuentra'?
If you are stating a simple fact ('He finds money' -> 'Él encuentra dinero') use 'encuentra'. If you are expressing an opinion, doubt, wish, or telling someone formally what to do ('I doubt he finds it' -> 'Dudo que lo encuentre'), use 'encuentre'.