Using "se encuentra" - Asking if someone is home.

Question

I know this phrase can be used when asking for someone over the phone, but can it be used in person? I have to go to a stranger's house ask for a specific person. Can I say "¿Se encuentra (name)?" I want to be a bit more formal than asking "¿Está (name) en casa?"

Thank you

Good question :) - FELIZ77, Aug 10, 2010

Thanks :) - NikkiLR, Aug 10, 2010

Muy interesante, no lo sabia :) - bomberapolaca, Aug 10, 2010

And good for you for *using* your Spanish! ;-) - chaparrito, Aug 10, 2010

Yes :) Actually this will be for over the weekend. I am going to drop off some gifts :D - NikkiLR, Aug 10, 2010

Answer 1

Yes you can; ie ¿Se encuenta (fulano de tal) en casa?

Thank you :) - Does it sound better adding "en casa"? - NikkiLR, Aug 10, 2010

I think it would lack the correct meaning without 'en casa' but I am open to correction as always lol :) - FELIZ77, Aug 10, 2010

I can´t explain why, but on the phone, without "en casa" sounds fine. At the door, with "en casa" sounds better - 005faa61, Aug 10, 2010

Thank you!!! - NikkiLR, Aug 10, 2010

Answer 2

Yes, it's correct to use it that way.

Thank you :) - NikkiLR, Aug 10, 2010