Encontrarse vs. reunirse vs. verse vs. quedar
The Spanish verbs 'encontrarse', 'reunirse', 'verse' and 'quedar' all relate to meeting or getting together with someone, yet each word has its unique connotations and usages.
Encontrarse
'Encontrarse' means to find or locate, as in meeting someone more by chance or unexpectedly, rather than a planned encounter.
Me encontré a María en el supermercado.
(I met Maria at the supermarket.)
Nos encontramos en la fiesta sin previo aviso.
(We met at the party without prior notice.)
Reunirse
'Reunirse' is used when referring to a gathering or assembly. It generally implies a planned meeting, often in a formal context such as a business meeting or family gathering.
Vamos a reunirnos con el equipo mañana.
(We are going to meet with the team tomorrow.)
La familia se reunió para celebrar el cumpleaños de la abuela.
(The family gathered to celebrate grandma's birthday.)
Verse
'Verse' derives from the verb 'ver' meaning to see. Similar to English expressions like 'see you later', it is often used to express casual encounters amongst friends.
Podemos vernos después del trabajo para tomar algo.
(We can meet up after work for a drink.)
¿A qué hora nos vemos mañana?
(What time do we see each other tomorrow?)
Quedar
'Quedar' is mainly used in Spain and is used for arranging informal meetings such as friends planning to go out.
¿Quedamos en el cine a las ocho?
(Shall we meet at the cinema at eight?)
He quedado para cenar con Laura.
(I've arranged to have dinner with Laura.)
Summary
'Encontrarse', 'reunirse', 'verse' & 'quedar' are all verbs with an underlying theme of 'meeting'. However, while 'encontrarse' implies an unplanned encounter, 'reunirse' tends to be more formal and arranged, whereas 'verse' reflects casual meetups between friends. Lastly, 'quedar' is mostly used in Spain for planning less formal meetings.