What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive pronoun nos (us/each other) and the preterite form of conocer (to know/to meet).
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, nos conocimos specifically implies the moment of first introduction, whereas nos encontramos implies a chance encounter between people who already know each other.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, Nos encontramos is used to express the idea of meeting someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is used in the reflexive form to indicate a reciprocal action where both parties are involved in the meeting.
How do you pronounce it?
/nos konoθimos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use nos encontramos to mean "we met for the first time," but encontrarse usually refers to meeting someone by chance or meeting up at a specific time.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, you cannot use conocer to say you know a fact or a piece of information. To say 'I know that', you must switch to the verb saber, as conocer is reserved for people, places and familiar things.
- Because nos conocimos is reciprocal, it can be used to describe a mutual 'spark' or an immediate connection. In romantic contexts, the phrase often implies not just an introduction, but the start of a relationship.
- To describe meeting someone by chance, Spanish uses encontrarse, which literally means 'to find oneself'. This suggests that a random meeting is like 'finding' another person in a space.
Examples in context
- Nos conocimos ahí ayer.We met there yesterday.This sentence is useful for stating where a meeting took place yesterday.Tatoeba #5880785 by arh, translation #5866399 by CK
- Nos conocimos el otro día.We met the other day.This sentence is useful for stating when a meeting took place.Tatoeba #4557081 by swyter, translation #2547491 by CK
- Nos conocimos en la escuela.We met at the school.This sentence is useful for stating the location where people first met.Tatoeba #7968981 by kikan321, translation #7968983 by kikan321
- Nos conocimos en la conferenciaWe met at the conference
- Tuvimos el placer de conocernos durante la cena de galaWe had the pleasure of meeting each other during the gala dinner
- Fue un gusto conocerle en el evento de negociosIt was a pleasure to meet you at the business event
- ¡Nos conocimos en la fiesta y fue genial!We met at the party, and it was awesome!
- Nos vimos por primera vez en el conciertoWe saw each other for the first time at the concert
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking about how their relationship started.
- Elena¿Recuerdas dónde nos conocimos?Do you remember where we met?
- DanielSí, nos conocimos en esa fiesta.Yes, we met at that party.
- ElenaFue un momento muy especial para mí.It was a very special moment for me.
- DanielTambién fue un gran día para mí.It was a great day for me too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
