How to Say "to discover" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to discover” is “descubrir” — use 'descubrir' when you are finding something for the first time, especially something new, unknown, or surprising, like a new place or a new fact.
Use 'descubrir' when you are finding something for the first time, especially something new, unknown, or surprising, like a new place or a new fact.
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Use 'encontrar' when you are looking for something and then locate it, or when you happen upon something unexpectedly, like misplacing and then finding an object.
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Examples
Descubrimos un secreto familiar importante.
We discovered an important family secret.
Descubrimos un restaurante increíble en el centro.
We discovered an incredible restaurant downtown.
¿Cuándo descubriste que te gustaba la música clásica?
When did you find out that you liked classical music?
Ella descubrió la verdad sobre el robo.
She discovered (found out) the truth about the robbery.
The Irregular Past Participle
Unlike most -ir verbs, the past participle of 'descubrir' is irregular: 'descubierto' (discovered). You use this form to create perfect tenses (e.g., 'he descubierto' - I have discovered).
Using the Regular Participle
Mistake: “Hemos descubrido un problema.”
Correction: Hemos descubierto un problema. (Always use 'descubierto' for the past participle, never 'descubrido'.)
en-kon-trareŋkonˈtɾaɾ
Examples
Por fin encontré las llaves que había perdido.
I finally found the keys I had lost.
No encuentro mis llaves.
I can't find my keys.
Finalmente encontré un buen apartamento.
I finally found a good apartment.
Espero que encuentres lo que buscas.
I hope you find what you are looking for.
The Boomerang 'O'
The 'o' in this word turns into 'ue' when you stress it (encuentro), but stays an 'o' in the 'we' and 'you all' forms (encontramos).
Finding People
When you find a person, you must add the 'personal a' after the verb: 'Encontré a mi amigo' (I found my friend).
Finding vs. Finding Out
Mistake: “Using 'encontrar' to say 'I found out the news'.”
Correction: Use 'enterarse' for learning information. 'Encontrar' is for physical things or people you were looking for.
Descubrir vs. Encontrar: The Core Difference
Learners often confuse 'descubrir' and 'encontrar' because both involve finding. Remember that 'descubrir' is about uncovering something new or unknown, like a hidden talent or a new theory. 'Encontrar' is typically about locating something that was lost or was already there, like your phone or a specific book.
Related Translations
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