identificar
“identificar” means “to identify” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to identify, to recognize
Also: to name, to pinpoint
📝 In Action
Pudimos identificar la causa del problema rápidamente.
B1We were able to identify the cause of the problem quickly.
La policía identificó al sospechoso por las cámaras de seguridad.
A2The police identified the suspect using the security cameras.
Necesitas identificar tu equipaje antes de salir del aeropuerto.
A2You need to identify (tag/claim) your luggage before leaving the airport.
to relate to, to feel connected to
Also: to associate oneself with
📝 In Action
Me identifico mucho con los valores de esta empresa.
B1I really identify with the values of this company.
Ella se identifica como una artista, no solo como pintora.
B2She identifies herself as an artist, not just a painter.
Los jóvenes no se identifican con la política tradicional.
B1Young people do not relate to traditional politics.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: identificar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'identificar' in its reflexive form (to relate to)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Medieval Latin *identificāre*, formed by combining *idem* (meaning 'the same') and the verb *facere* (meaning 'to make'). Literally, it means 'to make the same' or 'to establish as the same,' which is how we determine identity.
First recorded: 15th century (Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'identificar' un verbo regular?
Almost! It follows the regular -ar pattern for most forms, but it is considered 'orthographically changing.' This just means that in the Preterite 'yo' form (identifiqué) and all Subjunctive forms, the 'c' changes to 'qu' to make sure the verb maintains the hard 'k' sound.
When should I use 'identificar' versus 'identificarse'?
Use 'identificar' (transitive) when you are figuring out *what* something is ('Identificamos el objeto'). Use 'identificarse' (reflexive) when you are expressing a personal connection or affinity *with* someone or something else ('Me identifico con su lucha').