How to Say "they discovered" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “they discovered” is “descubrieron” — use 'descubrieron' when referring to finding something for the first time, especially something previously unknown or hidden, like a new place or object..
descubrieron
/des-koo-bryeh-ron//deskuˈβɾjeɾon/
Examples
Ellos descubrieron una cueva antigua en el bosque.
They discovered an ancient cave in the forest.
Ustedes descubrieron el secreto muy rápido.
You all found out the secret very quickly.
Los científicos descubrieron una nueva cura.
The scientists discovered a new cure.
Completed Actions
This word is in the 'preterite' form, which means it describes an action that started and finished at a specific point in the past.
Who did it?
This specific ending (-eron) tells you that 'they' or 'you all' performed the action.
Don't confuse with 'Describe'
Mistake: “Using 'describieron' to mean discovery.”
Correction: Use 'descubrieron' for finding things and 'describieron' for describing things. They look very similar!
hallaron
/ah-YAH-rohn//aˈʝaɾon/
Examples
Los arqueólogos hallaron una tumba antigua.
The archaeologists found an ancient tomb.
Finalmente hallaron la respuesta que buscaban.
They finally found the answer they were looking for.
Ustedes hallaron el camino muy rápido.
You all found the way very quickly.
One-Time Past Actions
Use this form when you want to say that a group of people found something at a specific moment in the past.
Hallar vs. Encontrar
Mistake: “Using 'hallaron' for looking for your shoes at home.”
Correction: Use 'encontraron' for everyday things. 'Hallaron' sounds more like a significant discovery or a formal report.
Descubrir vs. Hallar
Related Translations
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