Spanish word

hallar

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈʝaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbfind

Example

No puedo hallar mis llaves.

I can't find my keys.

Illustration for hallar (find)

More examples

Al fin pude hallar una solución sencilla.

At last I could find a simple solution.

Core concept

A map pin marking the spot where a search turns up something.

Common phrases

  • hallar trabajo

    find work

  • hallar el camino

    find one's way

  • hallar una solución

    find a solution

Similar words

encontrar: Finds something, commonly used in casual everyday speech.
buscar: Actively looks for something with the intention of finding it.
descubrir: Uncovers or becomes aware of something previously unknown, like a fact.
localizar: Determines or pinpoints the exact location of something.

Definition in Spanish

Descubrir, encontrar o reconocer algo o a alguien, con uso tanto literal como figurado y presente en formas reflexivas como hallarse.

Word origin

From medieval Spanish haller, ultimately from older Romance roots whose initial f- evolved into h- in Spanish through regular historical sound change.

Usage tips

  • In everyday speech speakers often prefer encontrar for casual 'find', while hallar appears more in formal, literary, or explanatory contexts.

Other meanings

  • discoververb
  • come acrossverb
  • locateverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word