identificar
/ee-den-tee-fee-KAR/
to identify
When you identificar something, you recognize and establish what it is.
identificar(verb)
to identify
?to recognize or establish who/what something is
,to recognize
?visual identification
to name
?to put a label on something
,to pinpoint
?to locate precisely
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'c' to 'qu' Spelling Rule
In the Preterite 'yo' form (identifiqué) and the Subjunctive, the 'c' changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'k' sound that the verb has in its base form. This is very common for -car verbs!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Spelling Change
Mistake: "Yo identificé (Incorrect spelling in preterite)"
Correction: Yo identifiqué. The 'c' must change to 'qu' before 'e' to maintain the correct pronunciation.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Identificar' with Documents
When dealing with official paperwork or travel, 'identificar' often means showing your ID or official papers.
You identificar (relate to) someone when you feel a connection or affinity with them.
identificar(verb)
to relate to
?to feel an affinity or connection with
,to feel connected to
?to recognize oneself in something
to associate oneself with
?joining a group or belief
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive Requirement
When you mean 'to relate to' or 'to feel connected to,' you must use the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, etc.) and the preposition con (with): Me identifico con....
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Preposition
Mistake: "Me identifico ese grupo (Missing 'con')"
Correction: Me identifico con ese grupo. The preposition *con* is essential to show what you are relating to.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Se' for Identity
Use 'se identifica' when talking about how someone defines their own role or background (e.g., 'Se identifica como vegana').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: identificar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'identificar' in its reflexive form (to relate to)?
📚 More Resources
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').