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B2 verb 12 min de lectura

desconocer

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos desconocer en 30 segundos

Explicación desconocer in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn 'no conocer' to say you don't know a person or a place. However, you might encounter 'desconocer' in very simple signs or instructions. Think of it as the opposite of 'conocer'. If 'conocer' is to meet or know someone, 'desconocer' is the state of not having met them yet. At this stage, just focus on the fact that it means 'not to know' someone or something. You don't need to worry about the complex legal meanings yet. Just remember that if you see 'desconozco', it is a formal way of saying 'I don't know'. It is like saying 'I am a stranger to this information'. For example, if someone asks you for a street name and you don't know it, you can say 'Desconozco esta calle'. It is a polite way to help. Practice the 'yo' form 'desconozco' because it is irregular and will help you later with other verbs. Avoid using it for skills like 'I don't know how to swim'; for that, you must use 'no sé'. Focus on people and places.

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By A2, you are expanding your vocabulary to include more formal ways of speaking. 'Desconocer' is a great word to add to your toolkit for when you want to sound more polite than using 'no saber'. You can use it to talk about things you haven't studied or places you haven't visited. For example, 'Desconozco la capital de ese país' (I don't know the capital of that country). At this level, you should also be aware of the personal 'a'. When you talk about people you don't know, you must say 'Desconozco a...'. This is a common rule in Spanish that applies to 'conocer' and 'desconocer'. You might also start to see this word in short news clips or simple articles. It's often used in the phrase 'se desconoce' to mean 'it is unknown'. For example, 'Se desconoce el nombre del autor'. This is a very useful passive structure that makes your Spanish sound much more advanced. Try to use it when you are writing short descriptions of mysterious events or facts you haven't learned yet.

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At the B1 level, you should start using 'desconocer' to express a lack of awareness about abstract concepts or news. You are moving beyond just people and places. You might say, 'Desconozco las razones de su decisión' (I am unaware of the reasons for his decision). This level is where you begin to see the nuance between 'no saber' and 'desconocer'. Use 'desconocer' when you want to imply that you are not familiar with the whole context of a situation. You should also be comfortable with the past tenses. 'Yo desconocía que tenías un hermano' (I didn't know you had a brother). Here, 'desconocía' (imperfect) is used to describe a state of ignorance that lasted for a while. You should also start noticing the 'fail to recognize' meaning. If you see an old photo and don't recognize yourself, you could say 'Me desconozco en esta foto'. This reflexive use is more common at B1 and above. Practice using it in letters or emails when you want to politely explain that you don't have certain information.

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At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you must master the various shades of 'desconocer'. This includes its use in formal, legal, and political contexts. You should understand that 'desconocer' can mean 'to disavow' or 'to refuse to recognize authority'. For instance, 'El sindicato desconoció el acuerdo firmado por la empresa' (The union disavowed the agreement signed by the company). This is a high-level usage that shows you understand the power dynamics of the language. You should also be able to use it to describe a change in someone's personality. 'Su comportamiento fue tan extraño que lo desconocí'. Furthermore, you should be perfectly comfortable with the irregular conjugations, especially the 'zc' in the present indicative and subjunctive. In academic writing, 'desconocer' is essential for identifying gaps in knowledge or research. You might write, 'A pesar de los avances, la ciencia aún desconoce el mecanismo exacto de esta enfermedad'. This level of precision is what separates a B2 learner from lower levels. You should also be able to distinguish 'desconocer' from 'ignorar' and 'no saber' in complex sentences.

At the C1 level, 'desconocer' becomes a tool for stylistic expression. you use it to create specific moods in your writing, especially in literature or high-level journalism. You might use it to describe existential states of being a stranger to oneself or one's culture. For example, 'En un mundo tan globalizado, muchos terminan por desconocer sus propias raíces'. Here, the word carries a heavy emotional and cultural weight. You should also be aware of its use in very specific legal jargon, such as 'desconocer una firma' (to dispute a signature) or 'desconocer una filiación' (to contest paternity). Your use of the word should be seamless, and you should be able to explain the subtle differences between 'desconocer' and other verbs like 'repudiar', 'impugnar', or 'desestimar' depending on the context. You should also be able to use it in the subjunctive with ease to express doubt or hypothetical situations: 'No creo que nadie desconozca la gravedad de la situación'. This shows a high level of grammatical control and a deep understanding of Spanish rhetorical structures.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'desconocer' and all its philosophical implications. You might encounter it in dense philosophical texts discussing the nature of the 'unknown' or the 'unknowable'. The word is used to explore the boundaries of human understanding. You can use it with total precision in any register, from a heated political debate to a formal scientific dissertation. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Latin roots and how it has maintained its irregular conjugation throughout the centuries. At this level, you can also play with the word in wordplay or advanced metaphors. For example, 'Desconocer el pasado es condenarse a repetirlo'. Your mastery of 'desconocer' allows you to navigate the most complex social and professional situations in the Spanish-speaking world, understanding not just the literal meaning of the word but the cultural and legal authority it invokes when used in specific contexts. You are also capable of identifying when a native speaker uses it ironically or with a specific regional flavor.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

desconocer en 30 segundos

Desconocer means 'to not know' or 'to be unaware of' something or someone.
It is an irregular verb (desconozco) and is more formal than 'no saber'.
It also means 'to fail to recognize' someone who has changed.
In formal contexts, it means 'to disavow' or 'to refuse to recognize authority'.

The Spanish verb desconocer is a multifaceted term that English speakers often find intriguing because it encapsulates several distinct English concepts into a single, elegant word. At its core, it is the opposite of conocer (to know or be acquainted with). However, its usage extends far beyond a simple negation. While English might use 'to be unaware of,' 'to not know,' 'to fail to recognize,' or even 'to disavow,' Spanish speakers reach for desconocer to cover all these bases. Understanding this word requires looking at the prefix des-, which indicates reversal or negation, applied to the root of knowledge and familiarity.

Lack of Information: This is the most common use. It refers to the state of being ignorant or unaware of a specific fact, piece of news, or data point. Unlike 'no saber', which is often used for skills or specific facts, desconocer often implies a broader lack of acquaintance with a topic.

Muchos ciudadanos desconocen sus derechos fundamentales ante la ley.

Another critical layer of desconocer involves the physical act of recognition. If you see an old friend who has changed significantly—perhaps they grew a long beard or lost a lot of weight—you might say you 'desconozco' them. In this context, it means you literally do not recognize them as the person you once knew. This is a common experience in literature and cinematic narratives where a character returns after a long absence.

Disavowal and Authority: In political or legal contexts, desconocer takes on a more confrontational tone. It means to refuse to acknowledge the validity or authority of something, such as a treaty, a government, or a debt. If a group 'desconoce al presidente', they are stating that they do not recognize his legitimacy as a leader.

La empresa decidió desconocer la deuda argumentando que el contrato era inválido.

Finally, the word is frequently used in professional and academic settings to express a lack of expertise. A scientist might say they 'desconoce' the results of a specific study if they haven't had the chance to review the data yet. It sounds more formal and precise than simply saying 'no sé'. This nuanced distinction makes it a favorite for journalists and writers who want to convey a professional distance or a specific type of ignorance that isn't necessarily a personal failing but a simple lack of exposure.

The 'A' Personal: When using desconocer with people, remember the personal 'a'. For example, 'Desconozco a ese hombre' means 'I don't know that man.' Without the 'a', the sentence would be grammatically incomplete when referring to a specific person.

Al entrar en la sala, desconocí a todos los presentes; eran caras nuevas para mí.

Using desconocer correctly involves understanding its conjugation as an irregular verb and its transitive nature. Since it is derived from conocer, it follows the same irregular pattern in the first person singular of the present indicative: desconozco. This 'zc' change is a hallmark of many Spanish verbs ending in -ecer or -ocer, and mastering it is essential for B2 learners. Beyond conjugation, the word's placement in a sentence is relatively straightforward, as it usually takes a direct object—the thing or person that is unknown.

Formal Declarations: In formal writing, desconocer is the preferred way to state that information is missing. It avoids the bluntness of 'no saber'. For example, 'La gerencia desconoce los motivos de la renuncia' (The management is unaware of the reasons for the resignation). Notice how it flows smoothly in professional reports.

El informe técnico desconoce el origen exacto de la falla mecánica.

When we talk about places or experiences, desconocer implies a lack of familiarity or having never visited. If you are traveling to a new city, you might say, 'Desconozco estas calles,' which suggests you are lost or simply unfamiliar with the layout. This usage is more descriptive than just saying you don't 'know' the street; it implies a sense of being a stranger to the environment.

Negating Recognition: This is where the verb gets emotional. When someone changes their personality or character, we use desconocer to show our shock. 'Desde que ganó la lotería, lo desconozco' (Since he won the lottery, I don't recognize him). Here, it means his behavior is so different that he seems like a stranger.

Tu actitud hoy es tan agresiva que te desconozco por completo.

In the passive voice or with 'se' (impersonal), desconocer is used to describe things that are generally unknown to the public or to science. 'Se desconoce el paradero del sospechoso' (The suspect's whereabouts are unknown). This is a staple phrase in crime reporting and news broadcasting. It creates a sense of mystery or an ongoing investigation.

Conjugation Pitfalls: Learners often forget the 'z' in the present tense 'desconozco' or the 'zc' in the subjunctive 'desconozca'. Practice these specific forms to ensure your speech sounds natural and grammatically correct.

Espero que no desconozcas la importancia de este acuerdo para nuestro futuro.

You will encounter desconocer in a variety of high-stakes environments. It is not a word usually heard in a casual playground setting among children, but rather in the adult world of news, law, literature, and sophisticated social commentary. If you turn on a Spanish news channel like RTVE or CNN en Español, you will almost certainly hear the anchor use the phrase 'se desconoce' when reporting on an unfolding event where details are still murky.

The World of News: Journalists use this verb to maintain objectivity. Instead of saying they don't know something, they say the information is 'desconocida' (unknown). It adds a layer of professionalism to the reportage, especially regarding crime, international relations, or scientific breakthroughs.

Aún se desconoce la identidad de la persona que ganó el premio gordo.

In the legal and political sphere, desconocer is used to describe a formal rejection of status. When a country's opposition party decides to 'desconocer los resultados electorales' (disavow the election results), it signals a major political crisis. This usage is heavy with implication; it isn't just about lack of knowledge, but a deliberate choice to withdraw recognition and legitimacy.

Literature and Drama: Writers love desconocer for its ability to convey alienation. In a novel, a character might return to their hometown and 'desconocer' the very streets they grew up on because of urbanization or war. It captures the psychological state of feeling like a stranger in a familiar place.

Al regresar tras diez años, Pedro desconocía el pueblo que lo vio nacer.

In everyday conversation, you'll hear it when someone is being humble or cautious. If you ask a friend about a complex topic like quantum physics, they might respond with 'Desconozco totalmente ese campo,' which is a polite way of saying they aren't experts. It sounds more educated than a quick 'no sé'. It is also common in customer service; a clerk might say, 'Desconozco si nos queda stock, déjeme revisar,' which sounds more professional than 'No sé si hay.'

Academic Contexts: In universities, professors use desconocer to talk about gaps in current research. 'La ciencia aún desconoce cómo se originó la vida en la Tierra.' It frames the lack of knowledge as a frontier yet to be explored.

Muchos historiadores desconocen los detalles privados de esa negociación secreta.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with desconocer is confusing it with the simple negation 'no saber'. While they both translate to 'not to know,' their applications are quite different. 'No saber' is generally used for facts, skills, or specific pieces of information (e.g., 'No sé cocinar'). In contrast, desconocer is about a lack of familiarity or awareness of a person, place, or broad concept. Using desconocer to say you don't know how to swim would sound very strange and incorrect to a native speaker.

The 'Personal A' Omission: Just like with its counterpart 'conocer', you must use the personal 'a' when the object of the verb is a specific person. Saying 'Desconozco ese profesor' is wrong; it must be 'Desconozco a ese profesor'. This is a persistent error for learners because English doesn't have a direct equivalent for the personal 'a'.

Incorrecto: Desconozco Juan.
Correcto: Desconozco a Juan.

Another mistake involves over-formalizing. While desconocer is great for professional settings, using it in a very casual chat with friends might make you sound slightly robotic or overly dramatic. If someone asks if you know a certain movie and you say 'Desconozco esa película,' it's grammatically correct but perhaps a bit stiff. In a casual setting, 'No la conozco' or 'No sé de qué película hablas' might feel more natural.

Misunderstanding 'Recognition': Learners often struggle with the 'fail to recognize' meaning. They might try to use 'no reconocer', which is also correct, but they miss the nuance of desconocer. Desconocer implies that the person has changed so much they are unrecognizable, whereas 'no reconocer' can simply mean you didn't see them clearly or didn't remember their face.

Te desconocí con ese nuevo corte de pelo; ¡pareces otra persona!

Finally, watch out for the conjugation in the subjunctive. Because the root is conocer, the 'zc' carries over to the present subjunctive: desconozca, desconozcas, desconozca, etc. Many students mistakenly say 'desconoca', which is a common conjugation error for verbs ending in -ocer. Remember: if the 'yo' form has a 'z', the subjunctive usually does too!

Confusing with 'Ignorar': While 'ignorar' can mean 'to not know', it often implies 'to ignore' or 'to disregard' in modern Spanish. Desconocer is safer when you simply mean 'I am unaware'. Using 'ignorar' can sometimes sound like you are intentionally ignoring the facts.

No es que desconozca el problema, es que prefiere ignorarlo.

To truly master desconocer, you should understand how it sits within a family of related verbs. Each has a slightly different flavor and choosing the right one will make you sound more like a native speaker. The most direct alternative is 'no conocer', but as we've seen, desconocer is often more formal or carries the extra meaning of 'failing to recognize' or 'disavowing'.

Desconocer vs. Ignorar: While 'ignorar' literally means 'to be ignorant of,' in everyday Spanish it is frequently used to mean 'to snub' or 'to ignore someone'. Desconocer is the neutral choice for 'not knowing'. If you say 'Ignoro el precio,' you sound very formal. If you say 'Lo ignoré en la calle,' you mean you saw him but didn't say hello.

Es mejor desconocer una mala noticia que ignorar a un amigo en problemas.

Another related verb is 'no reconocer'. This is the most direct translation for 'to not recognize'. While desconocer can mean this, 'no reconocer' is more common for physical recognition (e.g., 'No reconocí tu voz'). Desconocer is more used when the person has changed so much they seem like a different person entirely, or when referring to legal/official recognition.

Desconocer vs. Renegar: When desconocer means 'to disown' or 'to disavow,' it overlaps with 'renegar'. However, 'renegar' usually has a stronger religious or familial connotation (to renounce one's faith or family), while desconocer is more about legal or social status.

El padre amenazó con desconocer a su hijo si no seguía sus pasos.

In a business context, you might see 'desestimar' or 'impugnar'. These are more technical than desconocer. 'Desestimar' means to dismiss (like a law suit), and 'impugnar' means to challenge or contest. Desconocer is broader; it's the simple refusal to acknowledge something as valid. If you 'desconoces' a signature, you are saying it is not yours or it is not valid.

Comparison Summary: - Desconocer: To be unaware, not to recognize, or to disavow.
- Ignorar: To not know (formal) or to snub (informal).
- No saber: To lack specific knowledge or skills.
- Repudiar: To strongly reject or disown.

Aunque desconozco los detalles técnicos, entiendo el concepto general.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The 'zc' in 'desconozco' is a linguistic fossil from the Latin inchoative suffix '-escere', which originally denoted the beginning of an action.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /des.ko.noˈθer/

US /des.ko.noˈser/

The stress is on the last syllable: 'cer'.

Rima con

crecer nacer parecer merecer vencer hacer placer amanecer

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.
Forgetting the 'z' sound in the 'yo' form (desconozco).
Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a tap.
Misplacing the stress on the 'no' syllable.
Failing to pronounce the 's' in the first syllable clearly.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 4/5

Common in news and literature, but requires understanding context to choose the right meaning.

Escritura 6/5

The irregular 'yo' form and the personal 'a' are common trip-ups for learners.

Expresión oral 5/5

Using it instead of 'no saber' makes speech sound more natural and formal.

Escucha 4/5

The 'se desconoce' phrase is very common in audio news reports.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

conocer saber reconocer ignorar alguien

Aprende después

desconocimiento impugnar repudiar ajeno incertidumbre

Avanzado

agnosticismo incógnito inefable hermético esotérico

Gramática que debes saber

Irregular Present Indicative (Yo form)

Yo desconozco (not desconoco).

Personal 'a' with specific people

Desconozco a María.

Impersonal 'se' for unknown facts

Se desconoce el motivo.

Subjunctive 'zc' change

Espero que no me desconozcas.

Imperfect for past states of ignorance

Yo desconocía que ella estaba casada.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Yo desconozco a ese hombre.

I don't know that man.

Uses the personal 'a' before 'ese hombre'.

Nosotros desconocemos el camino al hotel.

We don't know the way to the hotel.

Present tense, 'nosotros' form.

¿Tú desconoces esta ciudad?

Are you unfamiliar with this city?

Question form in the present tense.

Ellos desconocen mi nombre.

They don't know my name.

Direct object 'mi nombre' follows the verb.

Ella desconoce la dirección de la tienda.

She doesn't know the address of the store.

Third person singular present.

Usted desconoce a mi familia.

You (formal) don't know my family.

Formal 'usted' with the personal 'a'.

Desconozco el precio de la fruta.

I don't know the price of the fruit.

Irregular 'yo' form: desconozco.

Mis amigos desconocen este restaurante.

My friends are unfamiliar with this restaurant.

Plural subject 'mis amigos'.

Se desconoce el origen del incendio.

The origin of the fire is unknown.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

Desconozco si hay clases mañana.

I don't know if there are classes tomorrow.

Used with 'si' to express uncertainty.

Él desconocía las reglas del juego.

He was unaware of the rules of the game.

Imperfect tense for a state of ignorance.

¿Desconoce usted los horarios del tren?

Are you unaware of the train schedules?

Formal question.

Nosotros desconocíamos que ella hablaba chino.

We didn't know that she spoke Chinese.

Imperfect tense followed by a 'que' clause.

Se desconoce cuánta gente asistirá al evento.

It is unknown how many people will attend the event.

Impersonal 'se' with an indirect question.

Yo desconocía por completo esa noticia.

I was completely unaware of that news.

Use of 'por completo' for emphasis.

Ellas desconocen a los nuevos vecinos.

They don't know the new neighbors.

Personal 'a' with plural people.

Al ver su foto antigua, casi lo desconozco.

When I saw his old photo, I almost didn't recognize him.

Meaning 'to fail to recognize'.

Desconozco los motivos que lo llevaron a renunciar.

I am unaware of the motives that led him to resign.

Formal use of 'desconocer' for motives.

Es un tema que desconozco profundamente.

It is a topic that I am deeply unfamiliar with.

Relative clause with 'que'.

Se desconoce el paradero del tesoro perdido.

The whereabouts of the lost treasure are unknown.

Common journalistic phrase 'se desconoce el paradero'.

No quiero que desconozcas tu responsabilidad en esto.

I don't want you to ignore your responsibility in this.

Subjunctive 'desconozcas' after 'no quiero que'.

Desconocíamos que el restaurante cerraba los lunes.

We were unaware that the restaurant closed on Mondays.

Imperfect tense for a past state of ignorance.

Él se siente solo porque desconoce a todos en la fiesta.

He feels lonely because he doesn't know anyone at the party.

Personal 'a' with 'todos'.

La ciencia aún desconoce muchos secretos del océano.

Science still doesn't know many secrets of the ocean.

Abstract subject 'La ciencia'.

La junta directiva decidió desconocer la autoridad del sindicato.

The board of directors decided to disavow the union's authority.

Meaning 'to disavow/refuse to recognize'.

Desconozco si el contrato sigue vigente tras la fusión.

I am unaware if the contract is still valid after the merger.

Professional context, uncertainty with 'si'.

Te desconozco cuando te pones tan agresivo.

I don't recognize you when you get so aggressive.

Used to describe a change in character.

Muchos votantes desconocen las propuestas reales de los candidatos.

Many voters are unaware of the candidates' actual proposals.

Political context.

Se desconoce el impacto real de la nueva ley ambiental.

The real impact of the new environmental law is unknown.

Impersonal 'se' for abstract impact.

El gobierno desconoció el tratado internacional firmado hace una década.

The government disavowed the international treaty signed a decade ago.

Preterite tense for a specific act of disavowal.

Desconocía que mi familia tuviera raíces en este pueblo.

I was unaware that my family had roots in this town.

Imperfect followed by past subjunctive 'tuviera'.

No podemos desconocer los avances tecnológicos de este siglo.

We cannot ignore the technological advances of this century.

Meaning 'to ignore' or 'fail to acknowledge'.

Su proceder fue tal que sus propios amigos lo desconocieron.

His behavior was such that his own friends disowned him.

Preterite 'desconocieron' meaning 'disowned/refused to recognize'.

Es imperativo no desconocer la herencia cultural de los pueblos indígenas.

It is imperative not to overlook the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.

Formal 'no desconocer' meaning 'to acknowledge'.

Desconozco qué resortes psicológicos lo impulsaron a actuar así.

I am unaware of what psychological triggers drove him to act that way.

Academic/Sophisticated vocabulary like 'resortes psicológicos'.

Al despertar del coma, desconocía por completo su entorno.

Upon waking from the coma, he was completely unaware of his surroundings.

Describing a state of total lack of recognition.

La empresa fue sancionada por desconocer las normas de seguridad.

The company was sanctioned for disregarding safety regulations.

Legal/Regulatory context.

Resulta imposible desconocer la belleza de esta obra literaria.

It is impossible to ignore the beauty of this literary work.

Rhetorical use of 'desconocer'.

El acusado pretendió desconocer su propia firma en el documento.

The accused tried to disavow his own signature on the document.

Meaning 'to claim as false/not mine'.

Desconozco si existe una correlación directa entre ambos fenómenos.

I am unaware if a direct correlation exists between both phenomena.

Scientific/Analytical context.

La ontología contemporánea no puede desconocer la subjetividad del ser.

Contemporary ontology cannot ignore the subjectivity of being.

Highly academic philosophical context.

El historiador fue criticado por desconocer fuentes primarias cruciales.

The historian was criticized for overlooking crucial primary sources.

Meaning 'to fail to take into account'.

Desconozco hasta qué punto su silencio es una forma de protesta.

I am unaware to what extent his silence is a form of protest.

Nuanced analysis of behavior.

En su vejez, el artista empezó a desconocer sus propias creaciones.

In his old age, the artist began to no longer recognize his own creations.

Refers to a cognitive decline or a change in perspective.

No se puede desconocer que la geopolítica ha mutado drásticamente.

It cannot be ignored that geopolitics has mutated drastically.

Impersonal 'se' with 'no se puede'.

El régimen intentó desconocer la voluntad popular expresada en las urnas.

The regime tried to disavow the popular will expressed at the polls.

Political context of disavowal.

Desconozco si la semántica de este término ha variado en esta región.

I am unaware if the semantics of this term have varied in this region.

Linguistic/Technical context.

Su frialdad era tal que me hizo desconocer la calidez que antes tenía.

His coldness was such that it made me forget the warmth he once had.

Literary/Metaphorical use.

Colocaciones comunes

se desconoce el motivo

desconocer la autoridad

desconocer por completo

desconocer a alguien

desconocer un hecho

desconocer una deuda

desconocer el paradero

desconocer la identidad

desconocer las reglas

desconocer los riesgos

Frases Comunes

Desconozco totalmente.

— I have absolutely no idea. A very formal way to say you don't know.

—¿Sabes dónde está el jefe? —Desconozco totalmente.

Se desconoce la causa.

— The cause is unknown. Frequently used in medical or accident reports.

Se desconoce la causa de la explosión en la fábrica.

No puedes desconocer que...

— You cannot ignore that... Used to bring up an undeniable fact.

No puedes desconocer que ella siempre te apoyó.

Te desconozco.

— I don't recognize you (due to your behavior). Used when someone acts out of character.

¡Te desconozco! Nunca habías sido tan grosero.

Desconocer una firma.

— To claim a signature is not one's own. A legal term.

El testigo procedió a desconocer su firma en el acta.

Desconocer el resultado.

— To not accept the result of something, usually an election.

El equipo perdedor amenazó con desconocer el resultado del partido.

Desconocer a un hijo.

— To disown a child or deny paternity.

Es un drama familiar donde el padre quiere desconocer al hijo.

Desconocer la realidad.

— To be out of touch with reality or unaware of the facts.

Sus comentarios demuestran que desconoce la realidad del país.

Lo desconozco de vista.

— I don't even know him by sight. Meaning you've never even seen the person.

No sé quién es, lo desconozco de vista.

Un mundo desconocido.

— An unknown world. Using the past participle as an adjective.

Se adentraron en un mundo desconocido para ellos.

Se confunde a menudo con

desconocer vs no saber

Use 'no saber' for skills and specific facts; use 'desconocer' for people, places, and broad awareness.

desconocer vs ignorar

'Ignorar' often means 'to snub' in common speech, while 'desconocer' is the neutral 'not to know'.

desconocer vs no reconocer

'No reconocer' is for physical identification; 'desconocer' is for total lack of acquaintance or disavowal.

Modismos y expresiones

"Desconocer al padre"

— To act in a way that suggests one has no upbringing or respect for one's origins.

Con ese comportamiento, parece que desconoce al padre.

informal/regional

"Vivir desconociendo"

— To live in a state of denial or willful ignorance.

Vive desconociendo sus problemas de salud.

literary

"Desconocer la propia sombra"

— To be so changed or confused that one doesn't even recognize oneself.

Después del accidente, llegó a desconocer su propia sombra.

poetic

"Desconocer la mano que te da de comer"

— To be ungrateful to someone who helps you (similar to 'bite the hand that feeds you').

Es triste ver cómo desconoce la mano que le da de comer.

colloquial

"Desconocer el terreno"

— To be in an unfamiliar situation or place where one lacks experience.

Ten cuidado, que en este negocio todavía desconoces el terreno.

neutral

"Hacerse el que desconoce"

— To pretend not to know something or someone.

Le pregunté por el dinero y se hizo el que desconocía el asunto.

informal

"Desconocer fronteras"

— To be universal or to spread everywhere without limits.

Su música es tan buena que desconoce fronteras.

journalistic

"Desconocer la ley no exime de su cumplimiento"

— Ignorance of the law is no excuse. A common legal maxim.

Recuerde que desconocer la ley no exime de su cumplimiento.

formal/legal

"Desconocer el peligro"

— To be brave or reckless because one is unaware of the risks.

Los niños juegan ahí porque desconocen el peligro.

neutral

"Desconocer el descanso"

— To be tireless or to work without stopping.

Es un trabajador que parece desconocer el descanso.

figurative

Fácil de confundir

desconocer vs ignorar

Both can mean 'not to know'.

Ignorar is more formal for 'not knowing' but also means 'to snub' or 'to ignore'. Desconocer is safer for 'unaware'.

Desconozco el plan (I don't know it) vs. Ignoro el plan (I am ignoring it or I don't know it).

desconocer vs no saber

Basic translations for 'not to know'.

No saber is for information or 'how to'. Desconocer is for familiarity with people/places/topics.

No sé nadar (I can't swim) vs. Desconozco este mar (I'm not familiar with this sea).

desconocer vs renegar

Both can mean 'to disown'.

Renegar is often about faith, family, or values with high emotion. Desconocer is more about legal/official status.

Renegó de su religión vs. Desconoció la autoridad del tribunal.

desconocer vs desestimar

Both used in formal contexts to reject something.

Desestimar is specifically 'to dismiss' or 'to reject a claim'. Desconocer is 'to refuse to recognize as valid'.

El juez desestimó el caso vs. El acusado desconoció la firma.

desconocer vs repudiar

Both mean 'to reject'.

Repudiar is much stronger and implies moral condemnation. Desconocer can be a simple lack of recognition.

Repudiamos la violencia vs. Desconocemos el origen del conflicto.

Patrones de oraciones

Yo desconozco [noun]

Yo desconozco ese libro.

Se desconoce [noun]

Se desconoce la hora.

Desconozco si [clause]

Desconozco si vendrá.

Desconozco a [person]

Desconozco a tu jefe.

Desconocía que [subjunctive/indicative]

Desconocía que fueras médico.

Desconocer la autoridad de [noun]

Desconocer la autoridad del juez.

No se puede desconocer que [clause]

No se puede desconocer que ha trabajado duro.

Desconocer por completo [abstract noun]

Desconocer por completo la naturaleza humana.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

desconocimiento (ignorance/unawareness)

desconocido (stranger/unknown person)

Verbos

conocer (to know)

reconocer (to recognize)

Adjetivos

desconocido (unknown/unfamiliar)

cognoscible (knowable)

Relacionado

conocimiento

conocido

reconocimiento

ignoto

incógnito

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in formal, news, and literary contexts; medium in daily casual speech.

Errores comunes

Using 'desconocer' for skills. → No sé nadar.
You cannot use 'desconocer' to say you don't know how to do something. That is reserved for 'saber'.
Omitting the personal 'a' with people. → Desconozco a tu padre.
When the object is a specific person, the 'a' is required. 'Desconozco tu padre' is incorrect.
Saying 'desconoco' instead of 'desconozco'. → Yo desconozco la verdad.
The 'zc' change is necessary in the first person singular present indicative.
Using 'desconocer' to mean 'to ignore' (snub). → Él me ignoró en la calle.
While 'desconocer' can mean disavow, for the social act of ignoring someone you see, 'ignorar' is the correct verb.
Confusing 'desconocer' with 'no conocer' in casual settings. → No conozco esa canción.
While 'Desconozco esa canción' is correct, it might sound overly formal in a casual chat about music.

Consejos

Master the 'Yo' Form

Always remember that the first person singular is 'desconozco'. This 'zc' change is vital for sounding like a B2 level speaker. Practice it alongside 'conozco', 'merezco', and 'parezco'.

Use it for Professionalism

In a professional environment, replace 'no sé' with 'desconozco' when referring to information you don't have. It sounds more polished and authoritative. For example, 'Desconozco los detalles del contrato'.

The Personal 'A' is Key

Don't forget the 'a' when 'desconocer' is followed by a person. 'Desconozco a ese actor' is correct. Leaving it out is one of the most common mistakes for English speakers.

Recognition vs. Knowledge

Remember that 'desconocer' can mean 'to fail to recognize'. If a friend gets a radical makeover, you can say '¡Te desconocí!'. This is a very common and useful idiomatic use.

Understand the Power of Disavowal

In news and politics, 'desconocer' means to refuse to recognize authority. If you hear 'la oposición desconoce al gobierno', it means they don't accept the government as legitimate.

Gap in Knowledge

Use 'se desconoce' to start sentences about things that are mysteries. 'Se desconoce cómo se construyeron las pirámides'. It's a great way to introduce a topic of discussion or research.

Humility in Speech

Using 'desconozco' can show humility. If someone asks your opinion on a complex topic, saying 'Desconozco el tema' is a polite way to say you aren't qualified to answer.

Alienation

Look for this word in novels to find themes of alienation. When a character 'desconoce' their home, it signifies deep psychological or social changes.

Acting out of Character

Use the reflexive 'desconocerse' to describe when you act in a way that surprises even yourself. 'Me desconocí cuando empecé a gritar'.

Scientific Uncertainty

In academic papers, 'desconocer' is used to describe variables that haven't been accounted for or phenomena that aren't understood yet.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'DES-CONOCER'. 'DES' is like 'undo' and 'CONOCER' is 'to know'. So, it's 'undo-knowing' someone or something.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person looking at a close friend who is wearing a very convincing alien mask. They 'desconocer' their friend because they can't recognize them.

Word Web

conocer ignorar saber reconocer extraño misterio autoridad identidad

Desafío

Try to write three sentences: one about a person you don't know, one about a fact you are unaware of, and one about a friend acting weird.

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin prefix 'dis-' (meaning apart, asunder, or negation) and the verb 'cognoscere' (to get to know, recognize).

Significado original: To lose the knowledge of something or to fail to recognize.

Romance (Latin root)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when saying 'te desconozco' to a friend; it can be interpreted as a very harsh criticism of their character.

English speakers often struggle because they use 'don't know' for everything. They must learn to split 'don't know' into 'no saber' and 'desconocer'.

The phrase 'Se desconoce el autor' is found in countless historical Spanish manuscripts. Gabriel García Márquez often used 'desconocer' to describe the magical and strange reality of Macondo. The legal phrase 'desconocer la deuda' is a common trope in Spanish-language legal dramas.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

News Reporting

Se desconoce el autor.
Se desconoce el paradero.
Se desconoce la causa.
Se desconocen los detalles.

Legal/Official

Desconocer la firma.
Desconocer la autoridad.
Desconocer el contrato.
Desconocer una obligación.

Academic/Professional

Desconozco ese estudio.
Desconocemos los resultados.
No se puede desconocer el avance.
Desconozco el tema.

Social/Personal

No lo conozco.
Te desconozco hoy.
Desconozco a esa gente.
Me siento un desconocido.

Travel

Desconozco esta zona.
Desconozco el idioma.
Desconozco las costumbres.
Desconozco el camino.

Inicios de conversación

"¿Hay algún tema de ciencia que todavía desconozcas y te gustaría aprender?"

"¿Alguna vez has desconocido a un amigo por su forma de actuar?"

"¿Qué parte de la historia de tu país crees que la mayoría de la gente desconoce?"

"¿Desconoces a muchos de tus vecinos o conoces a todo el barrio?"

"¿Cómo reaccionas cuando alguien intenta desconocer una promesa que te hizo?"

Temas para diario

Escribe sobre una situación en la que te sentiste como un desconocido en tu propio país.

Describe un momento en el que desconociste a alguien cercano debido a un cambio brusco en su personalidad.

Reflexiona sobre las cosas que la humanidad aún desconoce sobre el universo.

¿Qué pasaría si decidiéramos desconocer todas las leyes por un día? Escribe un relato corto.

Analiza por qué es importante no desconocer nuestra propia historia personal.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, you can say 'Desconozco el idioma' to mean you are unfamiliar with it. However, 'No hablo el idioma' or 'No sé hablar el idioma' is more common for daily use. 'Desconocer' sounds more like you have no knowledge of its existence or structure.

Only when the object is a specific person or a personified entity. For example: 'Desconozco a Pedro' but 'Desconozco la respuesta'. This is the 'personal a' rule common to many Spanish verbs.

'No sé' is the general negation of 'saber' (to know facts/skills). 'Desconozco' is the negation of 'conocer' (to be familiar with/recognize). Use 'no sé' for 'I don't know the time' and 'desconozco' for 'I am unaware of the situation'.

It follows 'conocer'. Preterite: desconocí, desconociste, desconoció, desconocimos, desconocieron. Imperfect: desconocía, desconocías, desconocía, desconocíamos, desconocían. Use the preterite for a sudden failure to recognize and the imperfect for a state of ignorance.

In some contexts, yes, but specifically in the sense of 'refusing to acknowledge'. If you ignore a text message, you use 'ignorar'. If you refuse to recognize a leader's power, you use 'desconocer'.

Yes, 'desconocerse' means to not recognize oneself. For example, 'Me desconozco cuando me enfado' (I don't recognize myself when I get angry). It's a common way to express that you are acting out of character.

It is always 'desconozca'. Verbs ending in -ecer or -ocer that have a 'z' in the 'yo' form (conozco, desconozco) keep that 'zc' pattern throughout the entire present subjunctive.

Absolutely. 'Desconozco este barrio' means you are not familiar with the neighborhood. It's a very common and natural usage.

It means 'unknown author'. It is the standard way to label works where the creator is not known, similar to 'Anonymous' in English.

It is very common in both. While regional preferences for formality might vary, the word is universally understood and used across the Spanish-speaking world in the same ways.

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