encuentre
/en-KWEN-treh/
find (that I/he/she/it find)
Encuentre (find): Wishing that someone finds something important.
encuentre(verb)
find (that I/he/she/it find)
?Subjunctive form, expressing wish, possibility, or necessity
,find (you formal command)
?Formal command ('usted'), telling someone to find something
locate
?Used in complex sentences about searching
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The WEIRDO Rule
You use 'encuentre' (the special verb form) when the sentence expresses a Wish, Emotion, Impersonal statement, Request, Doubt, or Ojála (WEIRDO). For example: 'Dudo que lo encuentre' (I doubt he finds it).
Formal Commands
When giving a polite, formal command to 'usted' (you formal), you use this exact form: 'Encuentre la llave y tráigala' (Find the key and bring it).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Regular Present Form
Mistake: "No creo que él encuentra el camino."
Correction: No creo que él encuentre el camino. (When you express doubt ('No creo que'), the following verb changes to the special form 'encuentre'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the Irregularity
The 'o' in the middle changes to 'ue' in most forms, including 'encuentre'. The only exceptions are the 'we' and 'you all (Spain)' forms, which are 'encontremos' and 'encontréis'.
Encuentre (meet): Hoping that two people meet as planned.
encuentre(verb)
meet (that I/he/she/it meet)
?Subjunctive form, referring to arranging or hoping for a meeting
encounter
?Used for unexpected meetings or situations
,be located
?Used reflexively (se encuentre)
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive Meaning
When used with 'se' ('se encuentre'), it often means 'to be located' or 'to feel/be found' in a certain state. Example: 'Espero que se encuentre bien' (I hope he is feeling well).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Subjunctive and Command
Mistake: "Si usted encuentre la puerta, entre. (Mixing command and conditional structure.)"
Correction: Si usted encuentra la puerta, entre. (When using 'si' (if), you usually need the regular verb form 'encuentra', unless you are giving a direct, polite command: 'Encuentre la puerta y entre' (Find the door and enter).)
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Necessity
Use 'encuentre' after expressions of necessity or obligation, like 'Es necesario que...' or 'Necesito que...', whenever the second part of the sentence involves a new person.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: encuentre
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'encuentre' to express a wish?
📚 More Resources
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'.