Inklingo

How to Say "find" in Spanish

English → Spanish

hallar

ah-YARaˈʝaɾ

verbA2
Use this verb when you are actively locating something that was lost or that you were searching for.
A storybook illustration of a young child holding up a colorful teddy bear with a big smile, showing they have found it.

Examples

No pude hallar mis llaves después de la fiesta.

I couldn't find my keys after the party.

Finalmente hallamos la solución al problema matemático.

We finally found the solution to the math problem.

Regular -AR Verb

Hallar is a completely regular verb, meaning its endings follow the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar. This makes it easy to conjugate!

Confusing Hallar and Fallar

Mistake: “Using 'fallar' when you mean 'to find.'”

Correction: 'Fallar' means 'to fail' or 'to judge.' Use 'hallar' or 'encontrar' for 'to find.'

hallazgo

ah-YAZ-goaˈʝaðɣo

nounB1
Use this noun to refer to the act or result of a lucky or unexpected discovery, often implying good fortune.
A child in a sunlit field looking surprised and happy as they find a shiny golden key hidden in the tall green grass.

Examples

El hallazgo de las llaves fue una gran suerte.

Finding the keys was great luck.

Los científicos anunciaron un nuevo hallazgo arqueológico.

The scientists announced a new archaeological discovery.

Este libro fue un verdadero hallazgo en la tienda de segunda mano.

This book was a real find in the thrift store.

A Noun from a Verb

This word is a noun made from the verb 'hallar' (to find). It describes either the act of finding something or the actual object that was found.

Always Masculine

Even if you find something feminine (like 'una joya' - a jewel), the word 'hallazgo' stays masculine: 'un hallazgo increíble'.

Using it for people

Mistake: “Conocí a un hallazgo hoy.”

Correction: Conocí a una persona increíble hoy. (Use 'hallazgo' for things or situations, only use it for people figuratively to say they are a 'real find').

adquisición

nounB2
Use this noun to describe a valuable item that has been discovered or purchased, emphasizing its worth or desirability.

Examples

¡Qué buena adquisición! Ese coche es fantástico.

What a great find! That car is fantastic.

Hallar vs. Hallazgo

Learners often confuse 'hallar' (the verb of locating) with 'hallazgo' (the noun for the discovery itself). Remember that 'hallar' is the action, while 'hallazgo' is the result or the discovery as a thing.

Related Translations

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