reconocer
/reh-koh-neh-SEHR/
recognize
Reconocer (to recognize): Identifying someone previously known.
reconocer(verb)
recognize
?identify someone or something previously known
know
?in the sense of recognizing a face or voice
,identify
?to be able to name or confirm what something is
📝 In Action
No te reconocí con el pelo corto.
A2I didn't recognize you with short hair.
¿Reconoces esta canción? Es muy vieja.
B1Do you recognize this song? It's very old.
El perro reconoció el olor de su dueño inmediatamente.
B1The dog recognized its owner's scent immediately.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Yo' Form Exception
In the present tense, the 'yo' form changes its ending from 'c' to 'zc' (reconocer → reconozco). This is a common pattern for verbs ending in -cer or -cir when a vowel precedes the 'c'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the regular form
Mistake: "Yo reconoco mi error."
Correction: Yo reconozco mi error. (The 'z' is needed to keep the correct sound before the 'o'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Recognizing People
When talking about recognizing a person, Spanish often uses 'a' before the person: 'Reconocí a María'.
Reconocer (to admit): Accepting a fact or fault.
reconocer(verb)
admit
?accepting a fact or fault
,acknowledge
?accepting the existence or validity of something
concede
?granting a right or status
📝 In Action
Debemos reconocer que la situación es más compleja de lo que parece.
B2We must acknowledge that the situation is more complex than it seems.
El jefe reconoció el esfuerzo de sus empleados con un bono.
C1The boss acknowledged (or rewarded) his employees' effort with a bonus.
Él reconoció que se había equivocado en el cálculo.
B2He admitted that he had made a mistake in the calculation.
💡 Grammar Points
Recognizing vs. Admitting
When 'reconocer' means 'to admit,' it is often followed by 'que' (that) and a statement: 'Reconozco que tengo miedo' (I admit that I am afraid).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Use
In official documents or political speech, this meaning is used to grant status, like recognizing a country or a right.
Reconocer (to survey): Examining a territory or scene.
reconocer(verb)
survey
?examining a territory or scene
,inspect
?checking something thoroughly
examine
?medical or forensic examination
,explore
?checking out an unknown area
📝 In Action
El médico tiene que reconocer al paciente antes de dar un diagnóstico.
C1The doctor has to examine the patient before giving a diagnosis.
Enviaron una patrulla para reconocer la zona fronteriza.
C1They sent a patrol to survey the border area.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: reconocer
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'reconocer' is used in the sentence: 'El gobierno debe reconocer sus errores'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'reconocer' related to 'conocer'?
Yes, absolutely! 'Conocer' means 'to know' (a person, place, or thing), and 'reconocer' simply adds the idea of doing it again ('re-')—hence, 'to recognize' someone you already know.
What is the difference between 'reconocer' and 'aceptar'?
'Aceptar' means to simply accept something (a gift, an offer). 'Reconocer,' when used in the sense of acknowledging, implies accepting a truth or responsibility that might be difficult, such as 'reconocer la derrota' (to admit defeat).