encuentro
/en-KWEN-tro/
meeting
As a noun, encuentro means a meeting or planned get-together.
encuentro(Noun)
meeting
?A planned get-together, like for work or with friends.
,encounter
?Often used for an unplanned or unexpected meeting.
match
?In sports, like a soccer match.
,gathering
?A more general social get-together.
📝 In Action
Tengo un encuentro con mi jefe a las diez.
A2I have a meeting with my boss at ten.
Fue un encuentro casual en el supermercado.
B1It was a chance encounter at the supermarket.
El encuentro de fútbol fue muy emocionante.
A2The soccer match was very exciting.
⭐ Usage Tips
Meeting vs. Appointment
Use 'encuentro' for a general meeting. If it's a scheduled appointment (like with a doctor) or a romantic date, 'cita' is a better choice. For a formal work meeting, you'll often hear 'reunión'.
As a verb, encuentro means "I find."
encuentro(Verb)
I find
?The most direct translation.
I come across
?When you find something by chance.
,I discover
?When you find out something new.
📝 In Action
No encuentro mis llaves. ¿Las has visto?
A1I can't find my keys. Have you seen them?
Siempre encuentro ofertas en esta tienda.
A2I always find good deals in this store.
Encuentro que tu idea es excelente.
B1I find your idea to be excellent. (I think your idea is excellent.)
💡 Grammar Points
The 'o' to 'ue' Stem Change
Notice how the 'o' in 'encontrar' changes to 'ue' for 'yo encuentro'. This happens for many forms in the present tense (like tú encuentras, él encuentra), but not for 'nosotros' or 'vosotros' (encontramos, encontráis). It's a common pattern in Spanish verbs!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Yo encontro mis llaves."
Correction: Yo encuentro mis llaves. Remember to change the 'o' to 'ue' for the 'yo' form!
⭐ Usage Tips
Finding vs. Meeting
'Encontrar' means 'to find'. To talk about meeting up with someone or running into them, Spanish speakers often use the reflexive form: 'encontrarse con'. For example, 'Me encuentro con Ana a las 3' (I'm meeting with Ana at 3).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: encuentro
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'encuentro' to mean a 'meeting'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'encuentro', 'reunión', and 'cita'?
Great question! 'Encuentro' is the most general word for a meeting, planned or unplanned. 'Reunión' usually refers to a more formal, planned meeting, especially for work. 'Cita' is best for a scheduled appointment (like with a doctor or dentist) or a romantic date.
How is 'encontrar' different from 'encontrarse'?
'Encontrar' simply means 'to find' something or someone ('Encuentro mis llaves' - I find my keys). The version with 'se' at the end, 'encontrarse', often means 'to meet up with' someone ('Me encuentro con mis amigos' - I'm meeting up with my friends) or to describe a location or state ('El museo se encuentra en el centro' - The museum is located downtown).