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How to Say "curious" in Spanish

English → Spanish

curioso

koo-ree-OH-sokuˈɾjo.so

adjectiveA1general
Use 'curioso' when describing someone who has a general desire to know or learn things, often associated with wanting to find out secrets or details.
A small, wide-eyed fox cub peering intently into a dark hole in the ground, showing curiosity.

Examples

Mi hermana es una persona muy curiosa y siempre está leyendo libros nuevos.

My sister is a very curious person and is always reading new books.

Los niños pequeños son naturalmente curiosos sobre el mundo que los rodea.

Small children are naturally curious about the world around them.

Soy curioso, ¿cuál es tu opinión sobre esto?

I'm curious, what is your opinion on this?

Changing Endings

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'curioso' changes its ending to match the noun it describes: 'curiosa' (feminine singular), 'curiosos' (masculine plural), and 'curiosas' (feminine plural).

Confusing Ser and Estar

Mistake: “Estar curioso.”

Correction: Use 'Ser curioso' (Soy curioso). Curiosity is a characteristic, so we use the verb 'ser'.

inquieto

een-KYEH-tohiŋˈkjeto

adjectiveB2general
Use 'inquieto' to describe someone with an active, perhaps restless, mind that is constantly seeking new ideas or knowledge, implying intellectual stimulation.
A small girl peering through a large magnifying glass at a colorful beetle on a green leaf.

Examples

Es una joven de mente inquieta que siempre está leyendo.

She is a young woman with a curious mind who is always reading.

Su espíritu inquieto lo llevó a viajar por todo el mundo.

His inquisitive spirit led him to travel all over the world.

Positioning with Nouns

When describing a 'mind' or 'spirit,' placing 'inquieto' after the noun sounds most natural: 'mente inquieta'.

Curioso vs. Inquieto

Learners often confuse 'curioso' and 'inquieto' because both relate to curiosity. Remember that 'curioso' is broader and more common for general inquisitiveness, while 'inquieto' specifically highlights an active, sometimes restless, intellectual drive.

Related Translations

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