reconoce
/reh-koh-NOH-seh/
recognizes
When someone recognizes an item or person from memory.
reconoce(verb)
recognizes
?identifies from memory (he/she/you formal)
,recognize
?informal command (you tú)
identifies
?knows who someone is
,knows (a place)
?is familiar with a location
📝 In Action
Ella reconoce la melodía de inmediato, es su favorita.
A2She recognizes the melody immediately, it's her favorite.
El sistema de seguridad no reconoce su huella digital.
B1The security system doesn't recognize his digital fingerprint.
¡Reconoce el peligro antes de que sea tarde!
B1Recognize the danger before it's too late! (Informal command)
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Role of 'Reconoce'
This single form acts as both the action done by 'he/she/usted' (indicative) and a direct command to 'you' (tú imperative). Context tells you which one it is.
Irregular 'Yo' Form
The only tricky part of this verb is the 'yo' form, which changes the 'c' to a 'z' before the 'o': 'yo reconozco'. All other present tense forms like 'reconoce' are regular.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clue
If the sentence starts with the name of a person or a formal address (like 'Señor López'), 'reconoce' means 'he/she/you formal recognizes.' If it starts with an exclamation point or is directed at a friend, it's likely the command 'Recognize!'
When someone acknowledges or admits to a fact or truth.
reconoce(verb)
acknowledges
?admits the truth (he/she/you formal)
,admits
?confesses or concedes (he/she/you formal)
concedes
?yields a point in an argument
,grants
?gives credit or a right
📝 In Action
La compañía reconoce su error en el informe final.
B2The company acknowledges its mistake in the final report.
El gobierno reconoce la soberanía de esa nación.
C1The government grants/acknowledges the sovereignty of that nation.
Nunca reconoce cuando pierde, es muy testarudo.
B1He never admits when he loses, he is very stubborn.
💡 Grammar Points
Meaning Shift with Context
When 'reconoce' is followed by an abstract idea (like 'culpa' or 'derecho'), the meaning shifts from simple identification to formal acceptance or admission.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Recognize' and 'Realize'
Mistake: "Using 'reconoce' when you mean 'se da cuenta de' (realizes)."
Correction: 'Reconoce' is about memory or acceptance. If you mean 'realizes a fact,' use 'se da cuenta': 'Él se da cuenta del problema' (He realizes the problem).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: reconoce
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'reconoce' as a command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'reconoce' means 'he recognizes' or 'you (tú) recognize'?
If there is no subject mentioned, look at the context. If you are speaking directly to a friend, it is the command 'Recognize!' If the sentence is describing an action being done by a third person or a formal 'usted,' it means 'he/she/it recognizes.'
Is 'reconocer' tricky to conjugate?
Not really! It only has one small irregularity in the present tense: the 'yo' form is 'reconozco.' All other forms follow the regular '-er' pattern in the indicative mood.