Inklingo

How to Say "i recognize" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “i recognize” is “conozco” — use 'conozco' when you mean you are aware of or understand a concept, a truth, or a situation, often implying familiarity through experience or study..

English → Spanish

conozco

/ko-NOS-ko//koˈnos.ko/

verbB1general
Use 'conozco' when you mean you are aware of or understand a concept, a truth, or a situation, often implying familiarity through experience or study.
A person standing calmly next to a bright sign depicting a hazard, showing they are aware of the risk.

Examples

Conozco los riesgos, pero estoy dispuesto a asumirlos.

I am aware of the risks, but I'm willing to take them on.

Como abogado, conozco bien la ley.

As a lawyer, I am very familiar with the law.

He vivido tiempos difíciles, así que conozco la sensación de incertidumbre.

I've lived through difficult times, so I know the feeling of uncertainty.

reconozco

reh-koh-NOHS-koh/rekoˈnosko/

verbB1general
Use 'reconozco' when you are identifying something or someone that you have previously known or seen.
A colorful illustration of a girl looking surprised and happy, pointing excitedly at someone she recognizes in the distance.

Examples

Reconozco tu coche, es muy llamativo.

I recognize your car, it's very eye-catching.

¿De dónde viene ese acento? No lo reconozco.

Where does that accent come from? I don't recognize it.

Yo reconozco a Marta en cualquier multitud.

I recognize Marta in any crowd.

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.

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'.

Conozco vs. Reconozco

Learners often confuse 'conozco' and 'reconozco' by using 'conozco' when they mean to identify something specific they've seen before. Remember, 'conozco' is about general awareness or familiarity with a concept, while 'reconozco' is about identifying something or someone previously encountered.

Related Translations

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