encounter
word
/ɪnˈkaʊnɝ/
in-KOWN-tur
/ɛnkˈaʊntɐ/
in-KOWN-tuh
Definition
To unexpectedly meet someone or something, or to experience something difficult or new.
Usage & Nuances
Usually more formal than 'meet.' Common in stories and reports ('encounter difficulties,' 'encounter a problem'). Can be both a noun and a verb. Often implies surprise or something unusual or challenging.
Spanish: encontrar - topar(se) con - enfrentarse aPortuguese (BR): encontrar - deparar - enfrentarPortuguese (PT): encontrar - deparar - enfrentarChinese (Simplified): 遇到 - 遇见Chinese (Traditional): 遇到 - 遇見Hindi: मुलाक़ात करना - सामना करनाArabic: يواجه - يصادفBengali: মুখোমুখি হওয়া - সম্মুখীন হওয়াRussian: столкнуться - встретить (неожиданно)Japanese: 出くわす - 遭遇するVietnamese: gặp phải - đối mặt vớiKorean: 마주치다 - 겪다Turkish: karşılaşmak - rastlamakUrdu: سامنا کرنا - مقابلہ کرناIndonesian: menghadapi - menemui
Example Sentences
We encountered a snake on our hike.
basic
I encountered a problem with my computer.
basic
They encounter new cultures when they travel.
basic
I never expected to encounter my old teacher at the airport!
natural
If you encounter any issues, let me know.
natural
During our trip, we encountered some unexpected delays.
natural