Inklingo

reconoces

reh-koh-NOH-sehs/rekoˈnoses/

reconoces means you recognize in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

you recognize, you identify

Also: you distinguish
VerbA2Irregular (C>ZC) er
A young woman standing in a park, smiling widely and waving enthusiastically, showing clear recognition of a familiar face.
infinitivereconocer
gerundreconociendo
past Participlereconocido

📝 In Action

¿Reconoces esa canción? Suena a música de los 80.

A2

Do you recognize that song? It sounds like 80s music.

Si ves mi coche en el estacionamiento, ¿lo reconoces?

A2

If you see my car in the parking lot, do you recognize it?

Tú siempre reconoces las caras, yo soy terrible con eso.

B1

You always recognize faces, I'm terrible with that.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • identificas (you identify)
  • distingues (you distinguish)

Common Collocations

  • reconocer la vozto recognize the voice
  • reconocer un lugarto recognize a place

you acknowledge, you admit

Also: you grant
VerbB1Irregular (C>ZC) er
A man nodding his head firmly and seriously while looking at a small gold star held by a woman, symbolizing the acknowledgment of truth or fact.

📝 In Action

Reconoces que el plan de tu hermana es mejor que el tuyo.

B1

You acknowledge that your sister's plan is better than yours.

Si reconoces el error ahora, podemos arreglarlo.

B1

If you admit the mistake now, we can fix it.

Cuando reconoces la autoridad de la ley, todo es más fácil.

C1

When you acknowledge the authority of the law, everything is easier.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • admites (you admit)
  • aceptas (you accept)

Antonyms

  • niegas (you deny)

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedreconoce
yoreconozco
reconoces
ellos/ellas/ustedesreconocen
nosotrosreconocemos
vosotrosreconocéis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedreconocía
yoreconocía
reconocías
ellos/ellas/ustedesreconocían
nosotrosreconocíamos
vosotrosreconocíais

preterite

él/ella/ustedreconoció
yoreconocí
reconociste
ellos/ellas/ustedesreconocieron
nosotrosreconocimos
vosotrosreconocisteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedreconozca
yoreconozca
reconozcas
ellos/ellas/ustedesreconozcan
nosotrosreconozcamos
vosotrosreconozcáis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedreconociera
yoreconociera
reconocieras
ellos/ellas/ustedesreconocieran
nosotrosreconociéramos
vosotrosreconocierais

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: reconoces

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'reconoces' in the sense of 'to acknowledge or admit'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
reconocimiento(recognition, acknowledgement)Noun
reconocible(recognizable)Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
conocescreces
📚 Etymology

The word comes from the Latin prefix *re-* (meaning 'again' or 'back') and the verb *cognōscere* (meaning 'to know' or 'to get acquainted with'). So, to 'recognize' literally means 'to know again.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: reconhecerFrench: reconnaître

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'reconocer' change its spelling in some forms, like 'yo reconozco'?

This verb follows a pattern common in Spanish where a 'c' changes to 'zc' before the vowels 'a' or 'o' (like in the 'yo' form or the Subjunctive). This change is purely for sound—it makes sure the 'c' keeps its soft 's' sound, rather than becoming a hard 'k' sound.

Can I use 'reconoces' when talking about recognizing a value or contribution?

Yes, absolutely! That falls under the 'acknowledge/grant' meaning. For example, 'Reconoces el valor de su trabajo' (You recognize the value of his work).