ubicar
“ubicar” means “to locate” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to locate
Also: to place, to station
📝 In Action
No puedo ubicar mi teléfono.
A1I can't locate my phone.
Decidieron ubicar la nueva oficina en el centro.
B1They decided to place the new office downtown.
El mapa ayuda a ubicar los monumentos más importantes.
B1The map helps to locate the most important monuments.
to be located
Also: to orient oneself, to know one's place
📝 In Action
La catedral se ubica en la plaza principal.
A2The cathedral is located in the main square.
Dame un momento para ubicarme con el mapa.
B1Give me a moment to find my bearings with the map.
Él no logra ubicarse en su nuevo trabajo.
B2He can't seem to find his place in his new job.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ubicar
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I located' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'ubi' which means 'where,' combined with a suffix used to turn words into actions.
First recorded: 18th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ubicar' the same as 'encontrar'?
'Encontrar' means 'to find' something you were looking for. 'Ubicar' is more about knowing the specific position or place of something.
When should I use 'se ubica' instead of 'está'?
You can use both! 'Está' is simple and everyday. 'Se ubica' is slightly more formal and often used for buildings, cities, or businesses.
Does 'ubicar' always need an object?
If you are placing something, yes. If you are talking about where you are, you use 'ubicarse' (with the 'se').