Inklingo

How to Say "you find" in Spanish

English → Spanish

encuentras

en-KWEHN-tras (The 'en' sounds like 'en' in 'enter', the 'cue' is like 'kway')enˈkwentɾas

verbA1indicative
Use this form when you are stating a fact or asking a direct question about where someone finds something in the present tense.
A happy child kneeling in a garden, holding up a small, shiny lost coin they just found in the dirt.

Examples

¿Dónde encuentras las llaves del coche?

Where do you find the car keys?

Si no encuentras el libro, pregúntale a María.

If you don't find the book, ask María.

Siempre encuentras una excusa para no estudiar.

You always find an excuse not to study.

Stem-Change Rule

The 'o' in the middle of the verb changes to 'ue' in the present tense (like in 'encuentras'), except for the 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros) forms, which use 'o'.

encuentres

en-KWEN-tresenˈkwentɾes

verbA2subjunctive
Use this form in the present subjunctive mood when expressing hopes, wishes, doubts, or commands directed at 'tú'. It often follows phrases like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'dudo que' (I doubt that).
A joyful illustration of a person holding a large, colorful key they have just found on the ground.

Examples

Espero que encuentres el libro que buscas.

I hope you find the book you are looking for.

Te recomiendo que no te encuentres con él esta noche.

I recommend that you don't meet up with him tonight. (Negative imperative/subjunctive)

Dudo que encuentres un precio mejor en otra tienda.

I doubt that you will find a better price at another store.

The 'O to UE' Change

The base verb 'encontrar' is irregular. When the stress falls on the root (like in 'encuentres'), the 'o' changes to 'ue'. This happens in most forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' in the present tenses.

Subjunctive Mood Explained

'Encuentres' is the special verb form (subjunctive) used when the sentence expresses wishes, emotions, doubts, or non-certainty, usually after the word 'que' (that).

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Using 'espero que encontras' (using the indicative form 'encuentras' or forgetting the stem change).”

Correction: The correct form is 'espero que encuentres.' Remember the 'o' becomes 'ue' and the ending changes for the subjunctive.

Indicative vs. Subjunctive for 'You Find'

The most common mistake is using the indicative 'encuentras' when the subjunctive 'encuentres' is required. Remember that after verbs expressing desire, doubt, or emotion, you need the subjunctive mood.

Related Translations

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