localizar
/loh-kah-lee-ZAHR/
to locate
When you localizar something, you determine its precise position, like finding treasure on a map.
localizar(verb)
to locate
?to determine the position of something
,to find
?to search for and discover
to track down
?after a search
📝 In Action
Necesitamos localizar la farmacia más cercana.
A2We need to locate the nearest pharmacy.
Después de tres horas de búsqueda, la policía localizó el coche robado.
B1After three hours of searching, the police located the stolen car.
Si pierdes tu móvil, puedes localizarlo usando esta aplicación.
B1If you lose your mobile phone, you can locate it using this app.
💡 Grammar Points
The Z-to-C Spelling Change
Because 'z' cannot come before an 'e' or 'i' in Spanish spelling, verbs ending in '-izar' change the 'z' to a 'c' in the preterite 'yo' form (localicé) and throughout the entire present subjunctive (localice, localices, etc.).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Spelling Change
Mistake: "Yo localizé (with a z)"
Correction: Yo localicé (with a c). This simple spelling switch keeps the pronunciation consistent.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Localizar' vs. 'Encontrar'
'Localizar' often implies determining a precise location, often using technology or systematic search (like GPS or tracking). 'Encontrar' is more general, meaning simply 'to find' something.
The verb localizar can also mean to site or establish a new business or facility in a chosen spot.
localizar(verb)
to site
?to establish a business or facility
to place
?to decide on a permanent location
📝 In Action
La empresa decidió localizar su nueva planta en el sur del país.
C1The company decided to site its new plant in the south of the country.
Es importante localizar los recursos estratégicos cerca de las fuentes de materia prima.
C2It is important to place the strategic resources near the sources of raw material.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
This meaning is almost always used when discussing official decisions about where to put a business, office, or public service, rather than everyday items.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: localizar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'localizar' in its most common meaning (to find the position of)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'localizar' require a specific kind of search?
Yes, 'localizar' often suggests a systematic or technical search, such as using coordinates, a map, or a tracking device, rather than just stumbling upon something.
Is 'localizar' a reflexive verb (localizarse)?
Yes, 'localizarse' is common. It means 'to be located' or 'to be situated.' For example: 'La tienda se localiza al final de la calle.' (The store is located at the end of the street.)