vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Encontrar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to find", and "obtener" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to get". Learn more about the difference between "encontrar" and "obtener" below.
encontrar(
ehn
-
kohn
-
trahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to uncover)
a. to discover
Ellos encontraron una caja vieja en el bosque.They discovered an old box in the forest.
b. to encounter
Encontramos una bifurcación en el sendero y no sabíamos qué dirección tomar.We encountered a fork in the road and didn't know which path to take.
a. to find
¿No te gusta ir al teatro? - No, lo encuentro muy aburrido.Don't you like to go to the theater? - No, I find it very boring.
encontrarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to be
La playa se encuentra al otro lado de la calle.The beach is on the opposite side of the street.
5. (to sense)
a. to run into
¿Has visto a tu ex recientemente? - Sí. Nos encontramos en el metro hace unas semanas.Have you seen your ex recently? - Yes. We ran into each other on the metro a couple of weeks ago.
b. to run across
Ayer me encontré con Francisca. No sabía que estaba embarazada.I ran across Francisca yesterday. I didn't know she was pregnant.
c. to bump into
La semana pasada me encontré con tu hermano. Se ve más sano.I bumped into your brother last week. He looks healthier.
obtener(
ohb
-
teh
-
nehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to receive
Obtuvieron el apoyo de uno de los escritores más conocidos de toda España.They received the support of one of the most well-known writers in all of Spain.
