encontrarse con
Lemma Details
Translation: to meet; to run into; to encounter; to come across
Part of Speech: phrasal verb
Etymology: This phrasal verb combines 'encontrar' (to find, to meet) with the reflexive pronoun 'se' and the preposition 'con' (with). 'Encontrar' derives from Latin 'incontrare', formed from 'in-' (in) and 'contra' (against, opposite), literally meaning 'to come up against'. The reflexive form with 'con' creates the sense of mutually finding or meeting someone.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'encontrarse con' as 'to counter with' someone - you meet them face to face.
- The 'con' (with) emphasizes that you're meeting WITH someone, not just finding them.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is a very common expression in Spanish for both planned meetings and chance encounters. In Spanish-speaking cultures, social encounters are highly valued, and this phrase reflects the importance of personal connections.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Encontrar' means 'to find' something, while 'encontrarse con' specifically means 'to meet' or 'to run into' someone or something.
Notes: The reflexive form with 'con' indicates a mutual or reciprocal action of meeting, while the non-reflexive form is about finding objects.
Mnemonic: 'Encontrarse con' has 'con' (with) - you need someone to meet WITH.
Explanation: 'Encontrarse' without 'con' means 'to be located' or 'to find oneself' in a place or state, while 'encontrarse con' means 'to meet' someone.
Confused word:
Me encuentro en Madrid ahora.
I am in Madrid now.
Notes: 'Encontrarse' focuses on one's own state or location, while 'encontrarse con' involves an interaction with another person or thing.
Mnemonic: Without 'con', it's about YOUR location; with 'con', it's about meeting OTHERS.