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How to Say "to find" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conseguir

/kon-seh-GEER//konseˈɣiɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'conseguir' when 'to find' means to obtain or achieve something after effort or searching, implying success in getting it.
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 el libro que buscaba en la librería.

I found/got the book I was looking for at the bookstore.

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-ZAHR/lo.ka.liˈsaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'localizar' when 'to find' specifically means to discover the location of something or someone, often after a search.
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

El equipo de rescate logró localizar a los excursionistas perdidos.

The rescue team managed to find the lost hikers.

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-SEHR//paɾeˈseɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'parecer' when 'to find' expresses an opinion or impression 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 una excelente idea ir al cine esta noche.

I find it an excellent idea to go to the movies tonight.

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.

Distinguishing 'conseguir' from 'localizar'

Learners often confuse 'conseguir' and 'localizar'. Remember that 'conseguir' implies successfully obtaining or achieving something you were looking for, while 'localizar' focuses purely on discovering its location.

Related Translations

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