Inklingo

How to Say "met" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conoció

verbA2
Use this word when you are meeting someone for the very first time, establishing an acquaintance.

Examples

Ella conoció a su mejor amiga en la universidad.

She met her best friend at the university.

encontró

verbA2
Use this word when you run into someone, often unexpectedly or by chance.

Examples

Se encontró con su profesor en el supermercado.

He/She ran into his/her teacher at the supermarket.

encontrara

/en-kon-TRAH-rah//enkonˈtɾaɾa/

verbB1
This is the subjunctive form, used when talking about a hypothetical or uncertain situation of finding or meeting someone/something.
A person looking surprised and happy after discovering a shiny gold key hidden in the grass.

Examples

Si yo encontrara un tesoro, viajaría por el mundo.

If I found a treasure, I would travel the world.

Me gustaría que él encontrara un buen trabajo.

I would like it if he found a good job.

Buscaba a alguien que encontrara la solución.

I was looking for someone who could find the solution.

The 'What If' Word

Use this form when you're talking about a dream or a situation that isn't real right now, usually after the word 'si' (if).

Who is acting?

The word 'encontrara' can mean 'I found' or 'he/she/it found.' You often need to look at the rest of the sentence to know who is doing the finding.

The Missing Accent

Mistake: “encontrará”

Correction: encontrara (without the accent is for 'what if' scenarios; with the accent, it means 'will find' in the future).

satisfecho

sah-tees-FEH-choh/sa.tisˈfe.t͡ʃo/

adjectiveC1formal
Use this word when a condition, requirement, or demand has been fulfilled or met.
Two simplified characters shaking hands across a small table. One character is placing a small, important-looking rolled document onto the table, symbolizing an obligation being met.

Examples

El requisito de la visa fue satisfecho por el solicitante.

The visa requirement was fulfilled by the applicant.

Una vez que el pago esté satisfecho, se enviará la mercancía.

Once the payment is met (paid), the merchandise will be sent.

Formal Usage (Ser)

In this formal sense, 'satisfecho' describes a permanent state of completion (the requirement IS fulfilled), so it often uses the verb 'ser' in passive constructions.

Meeting for the First Time vs. Running Into Someone

The most common confusion is between 'conoció' (first meeting) and 'encontró' (running into someone). Remember, 'conoció' is for introductions and initial acquaintance, while 'encontró' implies an unexpected encounter with someone you already know.

Related Translations

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