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How to Say "acknowledges" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “acknowledges” is “reconoce” — use 'reconoce' when admitting the truth or validity of something, such as a mistake or a fact..

English → Spanish

reconoce

reh-koh-NOH-seh/re.koˈno.se/

verbB1formal
Use 'reconoce' when admitting the truth or validity of something, such as a mistake or a fact.
A character standing next to a tipped-over plant, raising their hands slightly in a gesture of admission or acknowledgment towards another calm character.

Examples

El gobierno reconoce la importancia de la educación.

The government acknowledges the importance of education.

La compañía reconoce su error en el informe final.

The company acknowledges its mistake in the final report.

El gobierno reconoce la soberanía de esa nación.

The government grants/acknowledges the sovereignty of that nation.

Nunca reconoce cuando pierde, es muy testarudo.

He never admits when he loses, he is very stubborn.

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.

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).

saluda

/sah-LOO-dah//saˈluða/

verbA1informal
Use 'saluda' when the meaning is to greet someone, acknowledging their presence as you would say hello.
A friendly child standing outdoors and raising one hand in a clear waving gesture towards another person.

Examples

Siempre saluda a sus vecinos con una sonrisa.

He always greets his neighbors with a smile.

Mi hermano siempre saluda a la cajera.

My brother always greets the cashier.

Usted saluda a la audiencia antes de empezar.

You (formal) greet the audience before starting.

¡Saluda a tu abuela! Es de mala educación no hacerlo.

Greet your grandmother! It's rude not to.

Dual Role of 'Saluda'

This form is used for two purposes: 1) Present tense for 'he/she/it' and 'usted' (formal you). 2) Giving a direct command to 'tú' (informal you).

Regular -AR Verb

Since 'saludar' is a regular verb ending in -ar, its conjugations follow the most common pattern in Spanish, making it easy to predict other tenses.

Confusing Imperative Forms

Mistake: “Using 'saludas' (the present tense 'tú' form) when giving a command. E.g., '¡Saludas a tu madre!'”

Correction: For an informal command, drop the 's': '¡Saluda a tu madre!' (Greet your mother!).

Confusing 'recognize' truth vs. 'greet'

The most common mistake is using 'saluda' when you mean to admit something is true. Remember, 'saluda' is specifically for greeting people, while 'reconoce' is for admitting or recognizing facts or truths.

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