averiguar
ah-veh-ree-GWAHR
Quick Reference
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
When to use Subjunctive
Since 'averiguar' means to gain knowledge, it often introduces a factual statement, usually triggering the normal (indicative) verb form: 'Averiguo que está aquí.' However, if you use it in a time phrase (like 'cuando') about the future, you must use the special form (subjunctive): 'Cuando lo averigüe...'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Spelling the Preterite 'Yo' Form
Mistake: "Using 'yo averigué' (pronouncing 'averi-GEH')"
Correction: You must write 'yo averigüé' (with the dots, called a 'diéresis' or umlaut) to keep the 'gwah' sound. If you don't add the dots, the word changes pronunciation to 'geh,' which is incorrect.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Result
Use 'averiguar' when you successfully determine or confirm a fact. It's often about finding the definite answer to a question.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: averiguar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the spelling change required by 'averiguar'?
📚 More Resources
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.