How to Say "located" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “located” is “encontró” — use this when describing the action of a person or thing actively finding or discovering the position of something else.
encontró
Examples
Mi hermana encontró sus llaves debajo del sofá.
My sister found her keys under the sofa.
encontrada
en-kon-TRA-dahenkonˈtɾaða
Examples
La llave encontrada estaba debajo del sofá.
The found key was under the sofa.
Tengo una billetera encontrada en la calle.
I have a wallet [that was] found in the street.
Matching with Nouns
Since this word ends in 'a', it must describe feminine things like 'la llave' or 'una persona'. If the object is masculine, use 'encontrado' instead.
Using it for Masculine Objects
Mistake: “El libro encontrada.”
Correction: Say 'El libro encontrado' because 'libro' is a masculine word.
localizado
loh-kah-lee-SAH-dohlokaliˈsaðo
Examples
El perro perdido ya ha sido localizado.
The lost dog has already been found.
Tengo el archivo localizado en mi computadora.
I have the file located on my computer.
Matching the Noun
This word changes its ending depending on what you are describing. Use 'localizado' for a boy/masculine thing, 'localizada' for a girl/feminine thing, and add an 's' for plurals.
Don't confuse with 'Local'
Mistake: “Using 'localizado' to mean 'nearby' or 'from here'.”
Correction: Use 'local' for things from a specific area, and 'localizado' only when something has been 'found' or 'placed'.
situado
see-TWAH-dohsi.ˈtwa.ðo
Examples
El hotel está situado en el centro de la ciudad.
The hotel is located in the city center.
Las islas están situadas al sur del país.
The islands are situated to the south of the country.
Busco un apartamento que esté bien situado.
I'm looking for an apartment that is well-located.
The Matching Rule
Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to match what you are describing. Use 'situado' for masculine (el hotel), 'situada' for feminine (la casa), and add 's' for plurals.
Always use 'Estar'
When saying where something is located, Spanish always uses the verb 'estar', not 'ser'. Even if the building is permanent, its location uses 'estar'.
The 'Ser' Trap
Mistake: “El museo es situado en el parque.”
Correction: El museo está situado en el parque. (Always use 'estar' for location!)
ubicado
oo-bee-KAH-dohu.biˈka.ðo
Examples
El restaurante está ubicado en el centro de la ciudad.
The restaurant is located in the city center.
Buscamos un hotel que esté bien ubicado.
We are looking for a hotel that is well located.
La oficina está ubicada en el quinto piso.
The office is situated on the fifth floor.
Always use Estar
To describe where something is, always pair 'ubicado' with the verb 'estar,' never 'ser.' Think of it as describing a temporary or specific state of being in a spot.
Matching Gender and Number
Since this acts like an adjective here, it must change to match the object: 'un hotel ubicado' (masculine) but 'una casa ubicada' (feminine).
The 'Ser' Trap
Mistake: “La oficina es ubicada en Madrid.”
Correction: La oficina está ubicada en Madrid. Spanish uses 'estar' for all locations, even permanent ones.
descubrió
Examples
El arqueólogo descubrió una vasija muy antigua en las ruinas.
The archaeologist discovered a very old vase in the ruins.
hallado
ah-YAH-dohaˈʝaðo
Examples
El tesoro hallado en la cueva es muy antiguo.
The treasure found in the cave is very old.
Fue un objeto hallado por casualidad.
It was an object found by chance.
Changing for Gender
When using this word to describe something, you must match the gender: use 'hallado' for masculine items and 'hallada' for feminine items.
Finding vs. Being Situated
Related Translations
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