Inklingo

How to Say "to find" in Spanish

English → Spanish

encontrar

en-kon-trareŋkonˈtɾaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'encontrar' when you are locating something you were previously looking for, like lost keys or a specific place.
A child happily holding a small golden key they discovered in the grass.

Examples

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.

conseguir

kon-seh-GEERkonseˈɣiɾ

verbA2general
Use 'conseguir' when 'to find' means to obtain or achieve something after effort or a search.
A cheerful character proudly holds a large golden trophy high above their head after reaching a high spot, symbolizing obtaining something valuable through effort.

Examples

Conseguí un buen trabajo.

I got a good job.

¿Puedes conseguir leche en la tienda?

Can you get milk at the store?

Por fin conseguimos las entradas para el concierto.

We finally got the tickets for the concert.

The 'e' to 'i' Switch

In some forms, like 'yo consigo' (I get), the 'e' in the stem flips to an 'i'. This happens in many common verbs, especially those ending in '-eguir' like 'seguir'.

The 'g' sound change

Notice how in 'yo consigo', the 'gu' becomes a 'g'. This is just a spelling change to keep the 'g' sound hard before the '-o' ending.

Using 'tener' vs 'conseguir'

Mistake: “Tengo las entradas. (When you mean you went out and got them)”

Correction: Conseguí las entradas. 'Tener' means you have them now, but 'conseguir' tells the story of how you acquired them, usually with some effort.

localizar

loh-kah-lee-ZAHRlo.ka.liˈsaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'localizar' when 'to find' specifically means to pinpoint the location of something, often through a deliberate search effort.
A small child dressed as an explorer uses a magnifying glass to clearly identify a red 'X' mark on a large, unfurled treasure map, indicating success in finding the location.

Examples

Necesitamos localizar la farmacia más cercana.

We need to locate the nearest pharmacy.

Después de tres horas de búsqueda, la policía localizó el coche robado.

After three hours of searching, the police located the stolen car.

Si pierdes tu móvil, puedes localizarlo usando esta aplicación.

If you lose your mobile phone, you can locate it using this app.

The Z-to-C Spelling Change

Because 'z' cannot come before an 'e' or 'i' in Spanish spelling, verbs ending in '-izar' change the 'z' to a 'c' in the preterite 'yo' form (localicé) and throughout the entire present subjunctive (localice, localices, etc.).

Forgetting the Spelling Change

Mistake: “Yo localizé (with a z)”

Correction: Yo localicé (with a c). This simple spelling switch keeps the pronunciation consistent.

parecer

pah-reh-SEHRpaɾeˈseɾ

verbA2general
Use 'parecer' when 'to find' means to form an opinion or judgment about something, similar to 'to seem' or 'to think'.
A thoughtful person sitting quietly, with a simple, glowing lightbulb hovering above their head, symbolizing an idea or thought.

Examples

Me parece buena idea.

I think it's a good idea (It seems like a good idea to me).

¿Qué te parece este vestido?

What do you think of this dress?

Nos parece justo.

It seems fair to us (We think it's fair).

The 'Gustar' Pattern

When using 'parecer' to give an opinion, it works just like 'gustar'. You use 'me', 'te', 'le', 'nos', or 'les' before the verb to show WHO has the opinion.

Agreement

The verb usually stays singular ('parece') because it is agreeing with the situation or the thing being discussed, not with you.

Saying 'Yo parezco'

Mistake: “Yo parezco que es bueno.”

Correction: Me parece que es bueno.

Confusing finding an object with forming an opinion

Learners often use 'encontrar' or 'conseguir' when they mean 'to find' as in 'to think' or 'to seem'. Remember that 'encontrar' and 'conseguir' refer to tangible results, while 'parecer' is about your subjective perception or opinion.

Related Translations

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