conoce
/konoθe/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'meets' is translated as conoce.
The word conoce is used to describe the act of being introduced to someone for the first time. It can also be used to describe the state of being acquainted with someone, meaning 'knows'.
Which one should you use?
The form conoce is versatile and can mean both the specific act of 'meets' (being introduced) and the ongoing state of 'knows' (being acquainted with someone).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using conoce to mean meeting a person, you must use the personal 'a' before the person being met (e.g., conoce a…). If you want to say 'I meet' or 'I know', use the first-person singular form conozco. For 'they meet' or 'they know', use the third-person plural form conocen.
How do you pronounce it?
/konoθe/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'meet' for both an introduction and a scheduled appointment, Spanish distinguishes them. To 'meet' a friend at a cafe is to quedar con them, whereas conocer is strictly reserved for the very first time you are introduced.
- The verb conocer shares a root with the English word 'cognizant', as both derive from the Latin 'cognoscere', meaning to recognize or get to know.
- The verb conocer is used for people and places, but not for facts or information. To say you 'know' a piece of information, you must use the verb saber, making Spanish much more specific than English in its use of 'know'.
Examples in context
- En el cine, Anna conoce a Ben.At the cinema, Anna meets Ben.This sentence shows the use of conoce in a setting.Tatoeba #10291054 by Seael, translation #10290239 by jimkillock
- Cuando alguien conoce a otra persona por internet, tiene que tener cuidado de los lobos disfrazados de corderos.When one meets people online, one must be careful of wolves in sheep's clothing.This sentence uses conoce to discuss meeting people online.Tatoeba #4148177 by gianich73, translation #541757 by darinmex
- Conoce a extranjeros durante sus viajes.He meets foreigners during his travels.This sentence uses conoce to describe meeting people during travels.Tatoeba #9966801 by carlosalberto, translation #9966782 by carlosalberto
- El director general está en un encuentro con los socios comerciales.The CEO is in a meeting with the business partners.
- Organizaremos un encuentro con los clientes para presentarles nuestras novedades.We will organize a meeting with the clients to present our latest developments.
- Vamos a hacer una quedada en el parque este fin de semana.We are going to have a meetup at the park this weekend.
- ¿Te apuntas a la quedada de videojuegos?Are you joining the video game meetup?
- La juntada en casa de Juan fue muy divertida.The gathering at Juan's house was a lot of fun.
- ¿Preparamos una juntada para celebrar tu cumpleaños?Shall we organize a gathering to celebrate your birthday?
- Tengo una cita con el doctor a las 10 a.m.I have a meeting with the doctor at 10 a.m.
- Vamos a reunirnos en el café al mediodía.We are going to meet at the café at noon.
- Los equipos de trabajo deben reunirse para coordinar las actividades.Work teams should meet to coordinate activities.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier introduces his friend to María.
- JavierMaría, ella es mi amiga Sofía.María, this is my friend Sofía.
- MaríaHola, Sofía. Es un gusto conocerte.Hi, Sofía. It is a pleasure to meet you.
- JavierSofía conoce a mucha gente en la ciudad.Sofía meets many people in the city.
- MaríaParece una persona muy sociable.She seems like a very sociable person.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
