localizar

Localizar is a verb used in Spanish and Portuguese with the core meaning of determining the position of something or identifying where it is. It can refer to locating a place, an object, a person, or a source of information, as well as pinpointing the origin of a matter or event. In computing and technology, the term is also used for finding files, devices, or geographic coordinates, often framed as geolocalizar or localizar a localização.

Etymology and cognates: Localizar derives from Latin localis, meaning "of a place," combined with the verb-forming suffix -ar in both Romance languages. Cognates appear in other languages, such as French localiser and Italian localizzare, reflecting a common Latin root.

Spanish usage: In Spanish, localizar is a regular verb with forms such as localizo, localizas, localiza, localizamos, localizáis, localizan. The preterite forms include localicé, localizaste, localizó, localizamos, localizasteis, localizaron. The reflexive form localizarse means to position oneself or to be located, as in maps or sites.

Portuguese usage: In Portuguese, localizar is also regular. Present tense forms include localizo, localizas, localiza, localizamos, localizam; preterite forms include localizei, localizaste, localizou, localizamos, localizaram. Reflexive uso is localizar-se, used for locating oneself or becoming located.

Related terms: Localización/localização (localization or act of locating), localizador (locator device or tool), and geolocalización/geolocalização in contexts of geographic positioning. These terms are common in geography, logistics, and technology.