reconozco
/reh-koh-NOHS-koh/
I recognize
When you see someone you know, you say, 'I recognize' them (reconozco).
reconozco(verb)
I recognize
?identifying someone or something previously known
,I know
?identifying a person or place
I distinguish
?identifying a difference
📝 In Action
Reconozco tu coche, es muy llamativo.
B1I recognize your car, it's very eye-catching.
¿De dónde viene ese acento? No lo reconozco.
B2Where does that accent come from? I don't recognize it.
Yo reconozco a Marta en cualquier multitud.
A2I recognize Marta in any crowd.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Yo' Form Irregularity
This verb is irregular only in the 'yo' form (I). Instead of ending in '-co' like a regular verb, it adds a 'z' and becomes 'reconozco'. This change is to keep the soft 's' sound (or 'th' sound in Spain) consistent with the rest of the verb.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'z'
Mistake: "Yo reconoco"
Correction: Yo reconozco. Remember that 'z' is needed to maintain the correct pronunciation and match its base verb, 'conocer'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Connecting to 'Conocer'
Think of 'reconocer' as 're-conocer' (to know again). If you already know the conjugation of 'conocer' (yo conozco), the conjugation for 'reconocer' (yo reconozco) is the same pattern!
To accept a fact or truth, like acknowledging a mistake, you use 'I acknowledge' (reconozco).
reconozco(verb)
I acknowledge
?accepting a fact or truth
,I admit
?confessing a mistake
I grant
?conceding a point in an argument
📝 In Action
Reconozco que no fue mi mejor trabajo.
B2I admit that it wasn't my best work.
Reconozco la importancia de la educación.
B2I acknowledge the importance of education.
Reconozco que tienes razón en este punto.
C1I grant that you are right on this point.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Que'
When using 'reconozco' to admit a fact, it is usually followed by 'que' (that) and then a full sentence: 'Reconozco que [something is true/happened]'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
While 'admito' (I admit) is also common, 'reconozco' sounds slightly more formal and thoughtful when acknowledging a significant truth or fact.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: reconozco
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'reconozco' in the sense of 'admitting a mistake'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'reconozco' have a 'z' when the infinitive is 'reconocer'?
This is a common irregularity shared by verbs like 'conocer' (to know) and 'agradecer' (to thank). The 'c' changes to 'zc' only in the 'yo' form of the present tense (and all forms of the present subjunctive) to make sure the soft 's' sound (like in 'ce' and 'ci') is maintained before the 'o'.