encuentro
Lemma Details
Translation: meeting; encounter; gathering; match; clash; rendezvous
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'encontrar' (to meet, to find), which comes from Latin 'incontrare', formed from 'in' (in) + 'contra' (against). The English cognate 'encounter' shares the same Latin root. The noun form 'encuentro' represents the action or result of meeting or finding someone or something.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tuvimos un encuentro casual en el supermercado.
We had a casual encounter at the supermarket.
El encuentro de negocios está programado para mañana.
The business meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.
El encuentro entre los dos equipos fue muy emocionante.
The match between the two teams was very exciting.
Organizaron un encuentro cultural para celebrar la diversidad.
They organized a cultural gathering to celebrate diversity.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'encounter' in English, which sounds similar and has a related meaning.
- Visualize two people coming face-to-face at an 'encuentro' (meeting).
- Break it down: 'en' (in) + 'cuentro' (sounds like 'counter') – people meeting at a counter.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'encuentro' can have social, cultural, or religious connotations. It's often used for community gatherings, cultural events, or religious retreats. In sports, particularly soccer, it refers to matches between teams.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Encuentro' is the noun (meeting/encounter) while 'encontrar' is the verb (to find/meet).
Notes: The noun 'encuentro' is often the result of the action described by the verb 'encontrar'.
Mnemonic: 'Encuentro' ends in 'o' like many Spanish nouns, while 'encontrar' ends in 'ar' like many Spanish verbs.
Explanation: 'Encuentro' means 'meeting' or 'encounter', while 'cuento' means 'story' or 'tale'.
Notes: Both words are common in everyday Spanish but refer to completely different concepts.
Mnemonic: 'Encuentro' has 'en' at the beginning, think 'en-counter' (meeting), while 'cuento' is shorter and relates to 'counting' a tale.