Inklingo

How to Say "they find" in Spanish

English → Spanish

encuentran

en-KWEHN-tran/enˈkwen.tɾan/

verbA1general
Use this when referring to the act of locating or discovering something in a straightforward, factual statement.
Two children pointing down excitedly at a brightly colored toy they have just found hidden under a small green bush.

Examples

Mis padres siempre encuentran un buen restaurante.

My parents always find a good restaurant.

¿Ustedes encuentran la solución al problema?

Do you (formal plural) find the solution to the problem?

Los científicos encuentran evidencia de agua en el planeta.

The scientists find evidence of water on the planet.

The 'O' to 'UE' Change

Notice that the 'o' in the middle of the verb stem changes to 'ue' (encontro -> encuentran). This happens in most forms, but not in the 'we' (nosotros) or 'you all' (vosotros) forms.

Subject Match

This form 'encuentran' is only used when the subject is plural: 'they' (ellos/ellas) or the formal 'you all' (ustedes).

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Mis amigos *encontran* un buen precio.”

Correction: Mis amigos **encuentran** un buen precio. Remember the 'ue' sound!

encuentren

en-KWEHN-trehn/eŋˈkwentɾen/

verbA2general
Use this when expressing a wish, doubt, or uncertainty about them finding something, often in dependent clauses.
A storybook illustration showing two small figures, possibly children, kneeling down and smiling brightly as they successfully locate a large, brightly colored teddy bear hidden behind a bush in a sunny, green field.

Examples

Espero que ellos encuentren la llave perdida.

I hope they find the lost key.

No permitan que se encuentren en ese lugar peligroso.

Don't allow them to meet in that dangerous place.

Señores, encuentren una solución rápida.

Gentlemen, find a quick solution. (Formal command, Ustedes)

The Special 'Subjunctive' Form

'Encuentren' is the special verb form (subjunctive) used when you talk about wishes, doubts, emotions, or things that might happen, especially after phrases like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...).

Formal Commands for Groups

You use 'encuentren' as a formal command for 'you all' (ustedes). It's a polite way to tell a group of people what to do: '¡Encuentren sus asientos!' (Find your seats!).

Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive

Mistake: “Quiero que ellos encuentran la solución.”

Correction: Quiero que ellos encuentren la solución. (The first verb, 'Quiero,' expresses desire, which requires the special subjunctive form for the second verb.)

Indicative vs. Subjunctive Mood

The most common mistake is using 'encuentran' (indicative) when the situation calls for 'encuentren' (subjunctive). Remember to use the subjunctive mood when expressing hopes, desires, doubts, or emotions about an action, rather than stating it as a fact.

Related Translations

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