encuéntralo
/enkwentɾalo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "spot it" is translated into Spanish as encuéntralo.
This phrase is used as a command to notice or find something that is hidden or difficult to see.
Which one should you use?
While encuéntralo is a command to find something, the phrase lo encuentro means "I find it" or "I am spotting it". If you are spotting something from a distance, such as a ship or an object on the horizon, avístalo is a more precise alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the imperative form encuentra and adding the object pronoun lo, an accent on the third-to-last syllable is required, resulting in encuéntralo. If the object being spotted is a feminine noun, you must change the suffix from lo to la, forming encuéntrala.
How do you pronounce it?
/enkwentɾalo/
Did you know?
- If you spot something and want to alert others immediately, the natural reaction is to shout ¡lo tengo!, which translates to 'I have it' instead of 'I see it'.
- While encuéntralo is used for searching, Spanish speakers often use the phrase dar con algo to describe spotting something hidden, which literally means 'hitting' or 'striking' upon it.
- In Mexico and other regions, adding pues to the end of the command creates encuéntralo, pues, changing the tone to a challenge like 'go ahead and find it'.
Examples in context
- Encuéntralo o Localízalo durante la presentación.Spot it during the presentation.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are playing a hidden object game.
- SofíaHay un tesoro escondido en el dibujo.There is a treasure hidden in the drawing.
- JavierNo lo veo por ninguna parte.I don't see it anywhere.
- SofíaMira bien cerca de la montaña y encuéntralo.Look closely near the mountain and spot it.
- Javier¡Ah, ya lo encontré!Ah, I spotted it!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
