Inklingo

How to Say "we find" in Spanish

English → Spanish

encontramos

/en-kon-TRA-mos//enkoŋˈtɾamos/

VerbA1General
Use this when you are actively locating something in the present moment or as a regular habit.
Two cheerful children kneeling in a sunny green field, pointing excitedly at a small wooden treasure chest they have just uncovered.

Examples

No encontramos las llaves. ¿Dónde están?

We can't find the keys. Where are they?

Siempre nos encontramos en el parque para caminar.

We always meet in the park to walk.

Encontramos que su idea es excelente.

We find his idea to be excellent.

Two Meanings, One Word

This exact word, 'encontramos', can mean 'we find' (present) or 'we found' (past). You have to use other words in the sentence, like 'ahora' (now) or 'ayer' (yesterday), to know which one it is.

No Stem Change for 'Nosotros'

The verb 'encontrar' changes its 'o' to 'ue' (like 'yo encuentro'), but this change doesn't happen for the 'we' (nosotros) form. It stays 'encontramos', which is easier to remember!

hallamos

/ah-YAH-mohs//aˈʝamos/

VerbB1General/Formal
This is used for a present action of finding or discovering something, often implying a more formal or literary tone than 'encontramos'.
Two people together discovering a shiny gold key on the ground.

Examples

Hoy no hallamos ninguna solución al problema.

Today we don't find any solution to the problem.

Ayer hallamos las llaves debajo del sofá.

Yesterday we found the keys under the sofa.

Tras mucho buscar, hallamos la verdad.

After much searching, we discovered the truth.

Double Time Duty

In Spanish, the 'we' form for verbs ending in -ar is exactly the same for the present ('we find') and the completed past ('we found'). You have to look at the other words in the sentence, like 'yesterday' or 'now,' to know which one is being used.

Confusing Hallar and Encontrar

Mistake: “Using 'hallar' for meeting friends.”

Correction: Use 'encontrar' for meeting people by chance. 'Hallar' is usually for finding objects, facts, or solutions.

encontremos

/en-kon-TRAY-mos//eŋ.konˈtɾe.mos/

VerbB1General
Use this when expressing a wish, doubt, necessity, or in subjunctive clauses, indicating a desired or uncertain outcome.
Two smiling children looking excited as they simultaneously uncover a small, glittering object hidden beneath a large green leaf in a lush, colorful forest.

Examples

Espero que encontremos un buen restaurante cerca de aquí.

I hope that we find a good restaurant near here.

¡Encontremos una manera de terminar esto antes de medianoche!

Let's find a way to finish this before midnight!

No creo que encontremos el camino sin un mapa.

I don't think we will find the way without a map.

Use 1: The 'Let's' Command

When you want to suggest an action that involves the group ('we'), you use 'encontremos.' This is the affirmative command form for nosotros.

Use 2: Expressing Wishes and Uncertainty

'Encontremos' is the special verb form (subjunctive) used after expressions of desire, doubt, or necessity, like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'No creo que...' (I don't think that...).

Forgetting the Subjunctive

Mistake: “Using the indicative form: 'Espero que encontramos...' (Instead of 'encontremos')”

Correction: When you express hope or doubt about what 'we' are doing, Spanish requires the special subjunctive form: 'Espero que encontremos...'

Stem Change Confusion

Mistake: “Applying the 'o' to 'ue' stem change to this form: 'que encuéntremos' (Incorrect)”

Correction: The *nosotros* form is a rare exception! It keeps the original 'o': 'encontremos' (Correct).

Indicative vs. Subjunctive Mood

The most common mistake is using the indicative mood ('encontramos', 'hallamos') when the subjunctive is required. Pay close attention to phrases expressing hope, doubt, or emotion, which signal the need for 'encontremos'.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.