reconocer
/rekonoˈθeɾ/
To recognize in Spanish is reconocer.
Reconocer is the most general and widely used term for recognize. It is used when you match something in your memory or know someone or something from a previous encounter. While reconocer means to recognize someone or something from memory, it is distinct from conocer, which means to be acquainted with or to know a person/place/thing.
Meaning: to match in memory, to know from a previous encounter (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix re- (again) and conocer (to know), literally meaning 'to know again'.
Which one should you use?
Use reconocer when recognizing something from memory. If you are specifically identifying someone by their physical appearance, an ID or specific characteristics, use identificar. To express a deeper sense of recognition or to give credit to someone for their accomplishments, the phrase dar reconocimiento is more appropriate. For the informal act of realizing or recognizing a fact, use the idiom caer en la cuenta.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the first-person singular present indicative, the verb is irregular: the 'c' changes to 'zc', resulting in reconozco (I recognize).
How do you pronounce it?
/rekonoˈθeɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, reconocer is the specific legal term used when a parent formally acknowledges a child as their own on a birth certificate.
- Beyond memory, reconocer is used in legal settings to mean 'to confess' or 'to admit' to a crime or a mistake.
- While reconocer means to recognize, its noun form reconocimiento is the standard term for a military 'reconnaissance' mission.
Examples in context
- Pensé que no me reconocerías.I thought you wouldn't recognize me.This sentence uses reconocer to show the possibility of someone not recognizing another person.Tatoeba #2162948 by hayastan, translation #1961790 by CK
- No van a reconocer tus méritos.They're not going to recognize your merits.This sentence uses reconocer to discuss the act of recognizing merits.Tatoeba #13586694 by Seael, translation #13596058 by frpzzd
- No la pude reconocer al principio.I couldn't recognize her at first.This sentence uses reconocer to describe the difficulty of recognizing a person initially.Tatoeba #1839913 by marcelostockle, translation #257678 by CK
- Debo reconocer tus logros en este proyecto.I must recognize your achievements in this project.
- Es importante identificar los síntomas tempranos de la enfermedad.It's important to recognize early symptoms of the disease.
- La empresa decidió dar reconocimiento a sus empleados más destacados.The company decided to give recognition to its most outstanding employees.
- ¡Oye, te conozco! Eres el amigo de Ana.Hey, I recognize you! You're Ana's friend.
- Al leer su historia, caí en la cuenta de lo mucho que ha sufrido.When reading her story, I realized how much she has suffered.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel meet after many years at a cafe.
- SofíaHola, Daniel. ¿Me puedes reconocer?Hello, Daniel. Can you recognize me?
- Daniel¡Claro! Tardé un momento en reconocerte.Of course! It took me a moment to recognize you.
- SofíaCambié mi peinado hace poco.I changed my hairstyle recently.
- DanielAun así, es imposible no reconocer tu sonrisa.Even so, it's impossible not to recognize your smile.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “recognize” translations and entries reconocer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
