Two stylized figures seated across a plain wooden table in a simple room. One figure, representing authority, holds a notepad and pen, leaning slightly forward, questioning the other figure.

interrogatorio

in-teh-roh-gah-TOH-ryoh

nounmB2

interrogation?formal questioning by police or legal authorities,questioning?a session of formal inquiry

Also:examination?in a legal or parliamentary setting

📝 In Action

El detective inició el interrogatorio del único testigo.

The detective started the interrogation of the sole witness.

El abogado sometió al acusado a un largo y difícil interrogatorio.

The lawyer subjected the defendant to a long and difficult questioning.

El interrogatorio duró tres horas y no obtuvieron ninguna información nueva.

The questioning lasted three hours and they didn't obtain any new information.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cuestionamiento (questioning)
examen (examination)

Common Collocations

someter a un interrogatorio – to subject to an interrogation
ronda de interrogatorios – round of questioning

💡 Grammar Points

A Formal Noun

Since 'interrogatorio' is a noun ending in -o, it is always masculine (el interrogatorio). Remember to use masculine articles and adjectives with it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using it for simple questions

Mistake: "Hice un interrogatorio a mi amigo sobre la película. (I did an interrogation of my friend about the movie.)"

Correction: Hice unas preguntas a mi amigo sobre la película. (I asked my friend some questions about the movie.) Use 'interrogatorio' only for formal, high-stakes questioning.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

Think of 'interrogatorio' as a formal procedure, usually involving authorities (police, lawyers, judges). For casual questioning, use 'preguntas' (questions) or 'cuestionario' (questionnaire).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: interrogatorio

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'interrogatorio'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

interrogar(to interrogate) - verb

pregunta(question) - noun

preguntar(to ask) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'interrogatorio' and 'pregunta'?

'Pregunta' is simply 'a question' and is used in any context (e.g., 'Tengo una pregunta'). 'Interrogatorio' is a noun that means 'the entire session or process of formal, intense questioning,' usually carried out by people in authority.