conocer and encontrar

Submitted by simon a on Wed, 06/06/2007 - 09:37.
simon a
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 Joined: 2007-05-29

I am having difficulty at the moment getting my head around the difference between conocer, encontrar and encontrarse and when to use which.  I was told that one is to meet someone (for the first time) while one is to bump into someone unexpectedly while one is used when you know someone (i.e. have already met).

Can anyone explain these to me so I can improve the way I speak?  Thanks


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Wed, 06/06/2007 - 15:21
michaelshade
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 Joined: 2007-06-06
conocer, encontrar, encontrarse

Simon,

Briefly:

  • conocer: to know people or places (be acquainted with); also used in the sense you mention of meeting someone for first time
  • encontrar: to meet someone (encontrar a), to find something
  • encontrarse: to find yourself somewhere (= to be somewhere), to feel (eg well or unwell)
  • encontrarse con: to meet up with someone

Hope this helps,

Un saludo,

--
Michael Shade

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Thu, 07/06/2007 - 12:23
simon a
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Posts: 21
 Joined: 2007-05-29
Almost got it

Thanks for that but still unclear as to the distinction between encontrar and encontrarse con (i.e. what is the difference between meeting someone and meeting up with someone?)  Is it the difference between whether it was planned or not?  Could you give me some examples?

Thanks for the help - much appreciated

simon a


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