encuentren
en-KWEHN-trehn
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Espero que ellos encuentren la llave perdida.
A2I hope they find the lost key.
No permitan que se encuentren en ese lugar peligroso.
B1Don't allow them to meet in that dangerous place.
Señores, encuentren una solución rápida.
B1Gentlemen, find a quick solution. (Formal command, Ustedes)
💡 Grammar Points
The Special 'Subjunctive' Form
'Encuentren' is the special verb form (subjunctive) used when you talk about wishes, doubts, emotions, or things that might happen, especially after phrases like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...).
Formal Commands for Groups
You use 'encuentren' as a formal command for 'you all' (ustedes). It's a polite way to tell a group of people what to do: '¡Encuentren sus asientos!' (Find your seats!).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive
Mistake: "Quiero que ellos encuentran la solución."
Correction: Quiero que ellos encuentren la solución. (The first verb, 'Quiero,' expresses desire, which requires the special subjunctive form for the second verb.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the Stem Change
The base verb 'encontrar' changes its 'o' to 'ue' in most forms, including 'encuentren'. This sound change helps you remember it's an irregular verb.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: encuentren
Question 1 of 2
In which scenario would you use 'encuentren'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'encuentren' have 'ue' instead of 'o'?
This is because 'encontrar' is a 'boot verb' or stem-changing verb. The vowel 'o' changes to 'ue' whenever the stress falls on that part of the word, which happens in 'encuentren' and most other present tense/subjunctive forms.
How do I know if 'encuentren' is a command or subjunctive?
If it stands alone or starts a sentence directed at a group ('¡Encuentren la salida!'), it's a command. If it follows a 'que' and a verb expressing emotion or doubt ('Es triste que no encuentren...'), it is the subjunctive form.