reconocer
reconocer 30秒で
- Identify someone/something known.
- Admit a mistake or truth.
- Examine medically (doctor).
- Acknowledge legally or officially.
The Spanish verb reconocer is a highly versatile and frequently used word that primarily translates to 'to recognize' or 'to acknowledge' in English. It is a fundamental vocabulary item for learners at the A2 level and beyond, as it bridges the gap between simple observation and cognitive realization. When you see someone on the street and realize you know them, you use 'reconocer'. When you admit that you made a mistake, you also use 'reconocer'. This dual nature makes it an essential tool for both descriptive and expressive communication in Spanish.
- Visual Recognition
- Identifying a person, place, or thing that you have seen or known before. This is the most literal and common use of the verb.
No te pude reconocer con ese sombrero tan grande.
Beyond simple visual identification, 'reconocer' extends into the realm of abstract concepts. It is used to express the acknowledgment of a fact, a situation, or a truth, often one that might be difficult to admit. This usage is crucial for interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, and intellectual discussions. For instance, acknowledging a flaw or a legal right falls under this category.
- Acknowledgment and Admission
- Admitting that something is true, valid, or exists, such as a mistake, a right, or a talent.
Él tuvo que reconocer su error frente a todos.
A third, slightly more specialized but still common use of 'reconocer' is in medical or official contexts. When a doctor examines a patient, they are 'recognizing' them in Spanish. Similarly, when a military unit scouts an area, they are performing a reconnaissance, which shares the same root. This demonstrates the word's evolution from simple knowing to active investigation and validation.
- Medical or Official Examination
- To examine a person or thing carefully to determine its condition or status.
El médico va a reconocer al paciente en la sala dos.
Understanding the nuances of 'reconocer' will significantly enhance your ability to navigate both casual conversations and more formal or complex discussions in Spanish. It is a word that carries weight, implying a process of thought, memory, and often, humility or validation. As you practice, pay attention to the context to determine whether it means to identify visually, to admit a truth, or to examine professionally.
Es importante reconocer el esfuerzo de los demás.
La ciudad ha cambiado tanto que casi no la puedo reconocer.
Using reconocer correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and the specific contexts in which it thrives. As a transitive verb, it requires a direct object. This means you must always recognize *something* or *someone*. When the object is a person, you must use the personal 'a'. For example, 'Reconozco a mi amigo' (I recognize my friend), but 'Reconozco la casa' (I recognize the house). This distinction is a fundamental rule of Spanish grammar that applies to many verbs, but it is especially pertinent here given how often 'reconocer' is used with people.
- Using the Personal 'a'
- Always include the preposition 'a' when the direct object of 'reconocer' is a specific person or a pet.
Al instante pude reconocer a mi hermana en la multitud.
Conjugation is another critical aspect of using 'reconocer'. It belongs to the group of verbs ending in '-cer' preceded by a vowel. This means it has an irregularity in the first person singular of the present indicative, where the 'c' changes to 'zc'. Thus, 'yo reconozco'. This irregularity also carries over to the entire present subjunctive (reconozca, reconozcas, reconozca, reconozcamos, reconozcáis, reconozcan) and the formal commands. Mastering this conjugation pattern is essential for fluid communication.
- The 'zc' Irregularity
- Watch out for the spelling change in the 'yo' form present tense and all present subjunctive forms to maintain the correct sound.
Yo reconozco que tienes razón en este asunto.
In terms of sentence structure, 'reconocer' often pairs with the conjunction 'que' when expressing the acknowledgment of a fact or situation. 'Reconocer que' translates to 'to admit that' or 'to acknowledge that'. This structure is followed by a subordinate clause. If the acknowledgment refers to a fact, the indicative mood is used. However, if it expresses doubt or a subjective feeling about the acknowledgment, the subjunctive might be required, though the indicative is far more common in everyday usage.
- Structure: Reconocer que + Indicative
- Used to state an admission of a reality or fact.
Ellos deben reconocer que el proyecto fracasó.
Finally, consider the reflexive form, 'reconocerse'. This can mean to recognize oneself (e.g., in a mirror or in a description) or to recognize each other (reciprocal). 'Se reconocieron inmediatamente' means 'They recognized each other immediately'. This adds another layer of utility to the verb, allowing for descriptions of mutual recognition or self-awareness.
Me costó reconocerme en esa foto antigua.
Los viejos amigos se reconocieron a pesar de los años.
The verb reconocer is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, appearing in a wide array of contexts ranging from the most casual daily interactions to highly formal legal and medical environments. In everyday conversation, you will frequently hear it when people are talking about encountering acquaintances, navigating familiar places, or discussing personal relationships. It is the go-to word when someone says, 'I didn't recognize you!' or 'Do you recognize this song?'. This makes it a staple of social interaction and storytelling.
- Daily Social Interactions
- Used when talking about identifying people, places, voices, or objects in everyday life.
¿Puedes reconocer la voz en esta grabación?
In the workplace and professional settings, 'reconocer' takes on the meaning of acknowledging effort, merit, or status. Managers talk about 'reconocer el buen trabajo' (recognizing good work), and employees might seek 'reconocimiento' (recognition). It is also heavily used in negotiations or discussions where parties must concede points or admit facts, such as 'reconocer un error' (to admit a mistake) to move forward. This usage highlights the verb's importance in professional communication and conflict resolution.
- Professional and Corporate Environments
- Used to validate work, acknowledge achievements, or admit faults in a professional capacity.
La empresa decidió reconocer su dedicación con un premio.
The medical field provides another distinct context for 'reconocer'. When you visit a clinic in a Spanish-speaking country, the nurse or doctor might say they need to 'reconocer' you. In this specific jargon, it means to perform a medical examination or check-up. It is a formal way of saying they will look you over to diagnose an issue. Similarly, in legal contexts, 'reconocer' is used for official identification, such as in a police lineup ('reconocer al sospechoso') or legally acknowledging a document or a child.
- Medical and Legal Jargon
- Used for physical examinations by doctors or official legal identifications and acknowledgments.
El testigo pudo reconocer al ladrón sin dudarlo.
Finally, in literature, film, and media, 'reconocer' is frequently employed to describe moments of realization or epiphany. A character might 'reconocer' a long-lost love, or 'reconocer' the truth of their situation. This dramatic usage underscores the emotional weight the word can carry. Whether you are watching a telenovela, reading a novel, or listening to a podcast, 'reconocer' will consistently appear to signal these pivotal moments of identification and admission.
Al mirarse al espejo, le costó reconocer en quién se había convertido.
Tengo que reconocer que esta película es una obra maestra.
While reconocer is a straightforward verb in many respects, learners often stumble over a few specific grammatical and contextual hurdles. The most frequent mistake involves the omission of the personal 'a'. Because English does not require a preposition before a direct object that is a person (we say 'I recognize John', not 'I recognize to John'), English speakers naturally tend to say 'Reconozco Juan'. This is grammatically incorrect in Spanish. You must say 'Reconozco a Juan'. This rule applies whenever the object being recognized is a specific human being or a beloved pet.
- Forgetting the Personal 'a'
- Omitting the 'a' when the direct object is a person. Incorrect: Reconozco mi madre. Correct: Reconozco a mi madre.
Apenas pude reconocer a mi profesor de la primaria.
Another major pitfall is the conjugation in the present tense 'yo' form and the present subjunctive. Because 'reconocer' is a regular '-er' verb in most of its forms, learners often incorrectly guess the first person singular as 'reconoco'. The correct form is 'reconozco'. This 'zc' spelling change is crucial for maintaining the correct pronunciation and is a hallmark of verbs ending in '-cer' or '-cir' preceded by a vowel. Failing to make this change immediately marks the speaker as a beginner.
- Incorrect 'Yo' Form Conjugation
- Saying 'reconoco' instead of the correct irregular form 'reconozco'.
Yo reconozco mis limitaciones y pido ayuda cuando la necesito.
A more subtle mistake involves confusing 'reconocer' with 'darse cuenta de' (to realize). While both involve a cognitive process, they are not always interchangeable. 'Reconocer' implies identifying something previously known or admitting a truth. 'Darse cuenta de' implies a sudden realization or becoming aware of something new. For example, you 'reconoces' a mistake you made (admit it), but you 'te das cuenta de' a mistake you just discovered (realize it). Using 'reconocer' when you mean 'to suddenly realize' can lead to confusing sentences.
- Confusing with 'Darse cuenta de'
- Using 'reconocer' for a sudden realization instead of identifying or admitting.
Me di cuenta del error, y luego tuve que reconocerlo ante mi jefe.
Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the reflexive use. 'Reconocerse' means to recognize oneself or each other. Forgetting the reflexive pronoun 'se' changes the meaning entirely. 'Ellos reconocieron' means 'They recognized (something/someone else)', while 'Ellos se reconocieron' means 'They recognized each other'. Paying attention to these details will ensure your use of 'reconocer' is accurate and natural.
Después de veinte años, por fin se reconocieron en la estación de tren.
Es difícil reconocer a alguien cuando lleva una máscara.
To fully master reconocer, it is helpful to understand its relationship with similar verbs in Spanish. The most obvious relative is its root verb, conocer (to know, to meet, to be acquainted with). While 'conocer' is about the initial meeting or the state of being familiar with someone or something, 'reconocer' is the act of identifying that familiar entity again. You 'conoces' a person for the first time, but you 'reconoces' them the second time you see them. Understanding this chronological relationship is key to using both verbs correctly.
- Conocer vs. Reconocer
- 'Conocer' is to know or meet; 'reconocer' is to identify again what is already known.
Yo conozco a María, por eso la pude reconocer en la foto.
When 'reconocer' is used in the sense of admitting a mistake or a truth, it shares territory with the verb admitir (to admit). In many contexts, these two are interchangeable. 'Admitir un error' and 'reconocer un error' both mean to admit a mistake. However, 'reconocer' often carries a slightly softer, more introspective tone of acknowledgment, whereas 'admitir' can sometimes feel more like a formal concession or confession. Both are excellent verbs to have in your vocabulary for conflict resolution.
- Admitir
- To admit or concede. Often used interchangeably with 'reconocer' when discussing faults or truths.
Él se negó a admitir (o reconocer) su culpa.
Another related verb is identificar (to identify). This verb is very close in meaning to the visual aspect of 'reconocer'. However, 'identificar' is often used in more formal, scientific, or investigative contexts. A witness might 'identificar' a suspect in a lineup, or a scientist might 'identificar' a new species. While you can 'identificar' a friend on the street, 'reconocer' sounds much more natural and common in everyday conversational Spanish.
- Identificar
- To identify. More formal and analytical than 'reconocer'.
La policía logró identificar el vehículo robado.
Lastly, consider confesar (to confess). This is a stronger, more dramatic cousin to 'reconocer' when used in the sense of admitting. You 'reconoces' a small error in a spreadsheet, but you 'confiesas' a crime or a deep secret. Expanding your vocabulary to include these nuances will allow you to express yourself with much greater precision and emotional accuracy in Spanish.
Tuvo que confesar toda la verdad ante el juez.
Prefiero reconocer mi ignorancia que fingir que lo sé todo.
How Formal Is It?
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難易度
知っておくべき文法
レベル別の例文
Yo reconozco la casa de mi abuela.
I recognize my grandmother's house.
Present tense 'yo' form is irregular: reconozco.
¿Tú reconoces a este perro?
Do you recognize this dog?
Use the personal 'a' with pets.
Él no reconoce la calle.
He doesn't recognize the street.
Regular present tense for 'él'.
Nosotros reconocemos la canción.
We recognize the song.
Regular present tense for 'nosotros'.
Ellos reconocen a la profesora.
They recognize the teacher.
Use the personal 'a' with people.
No reconozco tu voz.
I don't recognize your voice.
Direct object is a thing, no personal 'a' needed.
¿Reconoces este libro?
Do you recognize this book?
Question structure in present tense.
Ella reconoce el coche rojo.
She recognizes the red car.
Simple subject-verb-object structure.
Ayer reconocí a mi amigo en el parque.
Yesterday I recognized my friend in the park.
Preterite tense for a completed past action.
Tuve que reconocer mi error.
I had to admit my mistake.
Infinitive used after 'tener que'.
No la reconocía con ese corte de pelo.
I didn't recognize her with that haircut.
Imperfect tense for a past state of being.
¿Reconociste al actor en la película?
Did you recognize the actor in the movie?
Preterite tense question.
El doctor va a reconocer al paciente.
The doctor is going to examine the patient.
Medical context meaning 'to examine'.
Reconozco que tienes razón.
I acknowledge that you are right.
Followed by 'que' to introduce a clause.
Ellos no reconocieron la ciudad.
They didn't recognize the city.
Preterite tense, plural.
Siempre es bueno reconocer un buen trabajo.
It is always good to recognize good work.
Used as an abstract concept of validation.
Espero que él reconozca su parte de la culpa.
I hope he admits his share of the blame.
Present subjunctive used after 'espero que'.
Se reconocieron inmediatamente después de veinte años.
They recognized each other immediately after twenty years.
Reflexive/reciprocal use 'se reconocieron'.
El gobierno reconoció el nuevo estado independiente.
The government recognized the new independent state.
Formal/political context.
Me costó mucho reconocer que necesitaba ayuda.
It was very hard for me to admit that I needed help.
Used with 'costar' to express difficulty.
Si lo viera hoy, no lo reconocería.
If I saw him today, I wouldn't recognize him.
Conditional tense in a hypothetical situation.
La empresa ha reconocido el esfuerzo de sus empleados.
The company has recognized the effort of its employees.
Present perfect tense.
Es importante que reconozcamos nuestros prejuicios.
It is important that we recognize our prejudices.
Present subjunctive 'nosotros' form.
El testigo reconoció al sospechoso en la rueda de reconocimiento.
The witness recognized the suspect in the police lineup.
Legal context.
Aunque le cueste, terminará reconociendo la verdad.
Even if it's hard for him, he will end up admitting the truth.
Gerund form used with 'terminar'.
Me sorprendió que no reconocieran la firma en el documento.
It surprised me that they didn't recognize the signature on the document.
Imperfect subjunctive after an expression of emotion.
Es un autor reconocido internacionalmente por sus novelas.
He is an internationally recognized author for his novels.
Past participle used as an adjective.
Se negó a reconocer los hechos, a pesar de las pruebas.
He refused to acknowledge the facts, despite the evidence.
Infinitive used after 'negarse a'.
Habría reconocido el lugar si no estuviera tan oscuro.
I would have recognized the place if it weren't so dark.
Conditional perfect tense.
El mérito de este descubrimiento debe ser reconocido.
The merit of this discovery must be recognized.
Passive voice construction.
No hay mal en reconocer que uno se ha equivocado.
There is no harm in admitting that one has made a mistake.
Impersonal expression.
Fue sometido a un exhaustivo reconocimiento médico.
He was subjected to an exhaustive medical examination.
Noun form 'reconocimiento' used in a medical context.
Es imperativo que la sociedad reconozca el valor de los cuidados no remunerados.
It is imperative that society recognizes the value of unpaid care work.
Subjunctive used in a formal, persuasive context.
El crítico reconoció a regañadientes la brillantez de la obra.
The critic grudgingly acknowledged the brilliance of the work.
Adverbial modification 'a regañadientes'.
Habiendo reconocido su derrota, el candidato se retiró de la contienda.
Having conceded defeat, the candidate withdrew from the race.
Perfect participle construction.
La dificultad estriba en reconocer los propios sesgos cognitivos.
The difficulty lies in recognizing one's own cognitive biases.
Academic/psychological vocabulary context.
Se le reconoce como uno de los pioneros en el campo de la inteligencia artificial.
He is recognized as one of the pioneers in the field of artificial intelligence.
Impersonal 'se' construction for general consensus.
Apenas reconocible tras el accidente, el vehículo fue declarado pérdida total.
Barely recognizable after the accident, the vehicle was declared a total loss.
Adjective 'reconocible' used in a descriptive clause.
El tratado obliga a las partes a reconocer las fronteras establecidas.
The treaty obliges the parties to recognize the established borders.
Legal/diplomatic context.
No tuvo más remedio que reconocer la superioridad táctica de su oponente.
He had no choice but to acknowledge the tactical superiority of his opponent.
Idiomatic expression 'no tener más remedio que'.
Su obra, otrora ignorada, es hoy unánimemente reconocida por la crítica especializada.
His work, once ignored, is today unanimously recognized by specialized critics.
Advanced vocabulary 'otrora' and passive voice.
El acto de reconocer la alteridad es fundamental para la ética contemporánea.
The act of recognizing alterity is fundamental to contemporary ethics.
Philosophical terminology 'alteridad'.
Lejos de amilanarse, reconoció el envite y redobló su apuesta.
Far from being daunted, he acknowledged the challenge and doubled his bet.
Literary/idiomatic usage 'reconocer el envite'.
La jurisprudencia actual tiende a reconocer de facto estas uniones.
Current jurisprudence tends to recognize these unions de facto.
Advanced legal terminology 'de facto'.
Resulta harto difícil reconocer los matices de una lengua que no se domina.
It is extremely difficult to recognize the nuances of a language one has not mastered.
Elevated register 'harto difícil'.
En un alarde de honestidad intelectual, reconoció la falacia de su propio argumento.
In a display of intellectual honesty, he admitted the fallacy of his own argument.
Academic discourse 'falacia', 'alarde'.
El reconocimiento facial, si bien útil, plantea serios dilemas sobre la privacidad.
Facial recognition, although useful, poses serious dilemmas regarding privacy.
Technological context using the noun form.
Se reconoció vencido por la abrumadora elocuencia de su interlocutor.
He admitted defeat by the overwhelming eloquence of his interlocutor.
Reflexive used with an adjective 'reconocerse vencido'.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
Tengo que reconocer que...
Me cuesta reconocerlo.
Es de reconocer.
No te reconocí.
Reconocer la culpa.
Reconocer a simple vista.
Reconocer los hechos.
Hacerse reconocer.
Reconocer el esfuerzo.
Sin reconocer.
よく混同される語
慣用句と表現
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間違えやすい
文型パターン
使い方
While 'reconocer' means 'to recognize', do not use it to mean 'to realize' in the sense of a sudden thought. For 'I realized I left my keys', use 'Me di cuenta de que dejé mis llaves', not 'Reconocí que dejé mis llaves'.
- Saying 'reconoco' instead of 'reconozco'.
- Forgetting the personal 'a' before a person (e.g., 'Reconocí mi amigo').
- Using 'reconocer' when meaning 'darse cuenta de' (to realize).
- Misspelling it with double letters (e.g., 'reconnocer').
- Forgetting the 'se' when meaning 'they recognized each other'.
ヒント
The 'Yo' Form
Always remember the 'zc' in the present tense 'yo' form: reconozco. This also applies to the entire present subjunctive.
Personal 'a'
Don't forget the personal 'a' when recognizing people. 'Reconozco a Juan', not 'Reconozco Juan'.
Admitting Mistakes
Use 'reconocer un error' instead of trying to translate 'admit a mistake' literally. It sounds very natural.
Medical Meaning
If you are at a clinic and hear 'reconocer', they mean they are going to examine you physically.
Stress the End
In the infinitive 'reconocer', the stress falls on the last syllable: re-co-no-CER.
Not 'Realize'
Never use 'reconocer' when you mean 'to suddenly realize'. Use 'darse cuenta de' for that.
Great Filler Phrase
Start a sentence with 'Tengo que reconocer que...' (I have to admit that...) to sound fluent and buy time to think.
One 'c'
Remember it is spelled with one 'c' in the middle: re-co-no-cer. Do not double the 'c'.
Reciprocal Use
Use 'se reconocieron' to say 'they recognized each other'. It's a very common narrative phrase.
Noun Form
Learn the noun 'reconocimiento' early on. It is very useful for talking about awards, medical exams, and validation.
暗記しよう
記憶術
RE-CONOCER: To CONOCER (know) something RE-peatedly or again is to RECOGNIZE it.
語源
From Latin 'recognoscere', meaning 'to know again' or 'to recall to mind'.
文化的な背景
In Spain, 'reconocer' is pronounced with the 'th' sound for the 'c' (/re.ko.noˈθeɾ/). It is very commonly used in the context of official medical check-ups ('reconocimiento médico').
Pronounced with an 's' sound (/re.ko.noˈseɾ/). The usage is identical, though the phrase 'reconocer a un hijo' (legally acknowledging a child born out of wedlock) carries significant legal and social weight in many Latin American legal systems.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
会話のきっかけ
"¿Alguna vez te ha costado reconocer un error grave?"
"¿A qué famoso podrías reconocer a simple vista?"
"¿Crees que es importante reconocer el trabajo de los demás?"
"¿Te han hecho un reconocimiento médico recientemente?"
"¿Hay alguna ciudad que haya cambiado tanto que ya no la reconoces?"
日記のテーマ
Escribe sobre una vez que tuviste que reconocer que estabas equivocado.
Describe a una persona que no reconocerías si la vieras hoy.
¿Qué talentos tuyos te gustaría que los demás reconocieran?
Narra una situación en la que reconociste a alguien en un lugar inesperado.
¿Por qué crees que a los políticos les cuesta tanto reconocer sus errores?
よくある質問
10 問'Conocer' means to know or meet someone for the first time. 'Reconocer' means to recognize someone you already know. You 'conoces' a stranger, but you 'reconoces' an old friend.
Verbs ending in '-cer' preceded by a vowel have an irregular 'yo' form in the present tense to preserve the pronunciation. The 'c' changes to 'zc'.
Only when the direct object is a specific person or a beloved pet. For example, 'Reconozco a mi hermano' (person) vs. 'Reconozco la casa' (thing).
Yes, absolutely. 'Reconocer un error' is the standard way to say 'to admit a mistake' in Spanish.
It means to examine. A doctor might say 'Voy a reconocer al paciente' meaning 'I am going to examine the patient'.
When admitting a fact ('Reconozco que...'), it is followed by the indicative. If used with doubt ('Dudo que reconozca...'), it takes the subjunctive.
It is the reflexive form. It can mean to recognize oneself (e.g., in a mirror) or to recognize each other (reciprocal action).
No. To say 'I realized' (a sudden thought), use 'darse cuenta de'. Use 'reconocer' only for identifying or admitting.
The noun form is 'reconocimiento', which means recognition, acknowledgment, or a medical check-up.
Yes, it is extremely common in both spoken and written Spanish across all dialects and registers.
自分をテスト 180 問
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
'Reconocer' is your go-to verb for both visually identifying familiar things and mentally admitting truths or mistakes. Remember the irregular 'yo reconozco' and always use the personal 'a' when recognizing people.
- Identify someone/something known.
- Admit a mistake or truth.
- Examine medically (doctor).
- Acknowledge legally or officially.
The 'Yo' Form
Always remember the 'zc' in the present tense 'yo' form: reconozco. This also applies to the entire present subjunctive.
Personal 'a'
Don't forget the personal 'a' when recognizing people. 'Reconozco a Juan', not 'Reconozco Juan'.
Admitting Mistakes
Use 'reconocer un error' instead of trying to translate 'admit a mistake' literally. It sounds very natural.
Medical Meaning
If you are at a clinic and hear 'reconocer', they mean they are going to examine you physically.
例文
No pude reconocerla con su nuevo peinado.
関連コンテンツ
generalの関連語
a causa de
A2「〜のせいで」や「〜が原因で」という意味です。名詞の前に使います。
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2もしかすると、ひょっとしたら。「a lo mejor」は日常会話で非常によく使われます。
a menos que
B1~しない限り. 彼が来ない限り、私は行きません。 (I won't go unless he comes.)
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.