conocerse
/konoθeɾse/from spelling rules
The phrase "meeting each other" in Spanish is translated as conocerse.
conocerse refers specifically to the act of being introduced to one another for the first time.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of conocer (to know/meet) and the reflexive pronoun se (each other/themselves).
Which one should you use?
Use conocerse for the act of being introduced or meeting for the first time, rather than reunirse, which means to gather or hold a meeting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, a common informal expression to say 'meeting each other' is quedar (to meet up).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form conocerse is the reflexive infinitive used to express the reciprocal action of two or more people meeting. To say 'they met each other' in the past tense, use the preterite form se conocieron.
How do you pronounce it?
/konoθeɾse/
When do people say it?
In Colombia, it is common to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek when meeting.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, saying mucho gusto en conocerle is a formal way to meet someone, but simply saying encantado or encantada literally means 'enchanted' and is a common shorthand for 'nice to meet you'.
- The verb conocer shares a root with the English word 'cognition'. Both derive from the Latin 'cognoscere', which combines 'co-' meaning 'together' and 'gnoscere' meaning 'to know'.
- Because conocerse is reflexive, it can also mean 'to know oneself' or 'to be self-aware' if the subject is an individual rather than a group.
Examples in context
- Fue un placer conocerte en la reunión de hoy.It was a pleasure meeting you at today's meeting.
- Espero poder conocerlo en persona pronto.I hope to meet you in person soon.
- Nos encontramos en el evento y establecimos contacto.We met at the event and established contact.
- ¿Vamos a encontrarnos en tu casa mañana?Are we going to meet at your house tomorrow?
- ¿Nos vemos en el cine?Shall we meet at the movies?
- Me encantaría volver a verte pronto.I'd love to see you again soon.
- ¿Nos juntamos en el café más tarde?Shall we meet up at the café later?
- ¿Quedamos en la plaza mañana a las 5?Shall we meet at the square tomorrow at 5?
- ¿Cuándo van a conocerse en persona?When are you two going to meet each other in person?
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are introduced by a mutual friend.
- JavierHola Lucía, es un gusto conocerse.Hello Lucía, it is a pleasure meeting each other.
- LucíaIgualmente, Javier. Mucho gusto.Likewise, Javier. Nice to meet you.
- Javier¿Desde hace cuánto tiempo querían conocerse?How long have you wanted to meet each other?
- LucíaDesde hace varios meses.For several months.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
