averiguar
“averiguar” means “to find out” in Spanish (to discover information).
to find out, to check
Also: to investigate, to ascertain
📝 In Action
Necesito averiguar a qué hora sale el tren de mañana.
B1I need to find out what time the train leaves tomorrow.
La policía está averiguando la causa del incendio.
B2The police are investigating the cause of the fire.
Cuando averigüe la verdad, te lo diré inmediatamente.
B2When I find out the truth, I will tell you immediately.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: averiguar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the spelling change required by 'averiguar'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from Old Spanish 'averiguar,' which itself derived from the Latin root *verus*, meaning 'true.' The verb literally means 'to make something true,' or 'to confirm the truth of a matter.'
First recorded: Medieval period (Middle Ages)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'averiguar' change its spelling in certain conjugations (like averigüé)?
This is a spelling rule for all Spanish verbs ending in -guar. The dots (diéresis, 'ü') are added only when the 'u' is followed by an 'e' or 'i' (like in averigüé or averigües) to ensure the 'u' is actually pronounced. If you write 'gue' or 'gui' without the dots, the 'u' is silent, which would change the sound of the word entirely.
Is 'averiguar' more formal than 'saber' or 'enterarse'?
Yes. 'Saber' means 'to know' a fact, and 'enterarse' is generally used for hearing news casually. 'Averiguar' implies an effort or active step taken to discover the information, making it suitable for both detailed investigations and simply 'checking' a timetable.