informar
“informar” means “to inform” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to inform, to notify
Also: to report, to advise
📝 In Action
Le informamos que su vuelo ha sido cancelado.
A2We inform you that your flight has been canceled.
El periodista informó sobre el accidente en vivo.
B1The journalist reported on the accident live.
Por favor, infórmale a tu jefe de los cambios.
A2Please, inform your boss of the changes.
to find out, to get informed
Also: to research
📝 In Action
Antes de votar, debes informarte bien sobre los candidatos.
B1Before voting, you must inform yourself well about the candidates (or: you must get well informed about the candidates).
Me informo de las noticias cada mañana.
A2I find out about the news every morning.
¿Dónde podemos informarnos sobre el proceso de visa?
B1Where can we find out about the visa process?
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: informar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'informarse' (the reflexive form) correctly?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin *informare*, which meant 'to give form to,' 'to shape,' or later, 'to give an idea of something.' The meaning of giving someone facts or details developed naturally from this idea of 'shaping' their knowledge.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'informar' and 'informarse'?
'Informar' means *to give information to someone else* ('Yo informo a mi amigo'). 'Informarse' means *to get information for yourself* ('Yo me informo'). The key is who receives the knowledge.
Should I use 'de' or 'sobre' after 'informar'?
Both are common when stating the topic of the information. 'Sobre' (about) is often preferred, but 'de' (of) is also very standard, especially in more formal or regional contexts. Example: 'Informar sobre el clima' or 'Informar del clima'.