consultar
“consultar” means “to check” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to check, to look up
Also: to refer to
📝 In Action
Debes consultar el diccionario para esa palabra.
A1You should check the dictionary for that word.
Consulté el mapa para encontrar la calle.
A2I checked the map to find the street.
Antes de viajar, consulto siempre el clima.
B1Before traveling, I always check the weather.
to consult, to discuss with
Also: to see
📝 In Action
Debes consultar a un médico por ese dolor.
A2You should consult a doctor about that pain.
Tengo que consultarlo con mis padres primero.
B1I have to discuss it with my parents first.
Consultaremos con un abogado antes de firmar.
B2We will consult with a lawyer before signing.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: consultar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'I checked the map'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'consultare', which means to consider carefully or to ask for advice. It is related to the word 'consul', a high official in ancient Rome.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'consultar' and 'mirar'?
'Mirar' is just to look at something. 'Consultar' implies you are looking for specific information or advice.
Do I say 'consultar con' or 'consultar a'?
Use 'a' for professionals (a un médico) and 'con' when discussing a decision with someone (con mi pareja).
Is 'consultar' always regular?
Yes, it follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar in all tenses.