Inklingo

How to Say "detectives" in Spanish

English → Spanish

detectives

deh-tehk-TEE-vehs/de.tekˈti.βes/

nounA2general
Use 'detectives' when referring specifically to police officers or private individuals who investigate crimes and solve mysteries.
A cartoon detective wearing a trench coat and a fedora, kneeling down and examining a small, hidden clue on the ground using a large magnifying glass.

Examples

Los detectives llegaron a la escena del crimen muy rápido.

The detectives arrived at the crime scene very quickly.

Esta serie de televisión trata sobre un grupo de detectives que resuelven casos difíciles.

This TV series is about a group of detectives who solve difficult cases.

Contrataron detectives privados para seguir la pista del dinero perdido.

They hired private investigators to follow the trail of the lost money.

Gender and Plural

Even though the singular form ('detective') can refer to both a man or a woman, 'detectives' is the standard plural form used for groups of men or mixed groups. If you need to specify a group of only women, you might hear 'las detectives' or 'las detectivas' (less common).

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La detectives están aquí.”

Correction: Los detectives están aquí. Since 'detectives' is a masculine plural noun, it needs the masculine plural article 'los'.

investigadores

/een-bes-tee-gah-DOR-es//imbestigaˈðoɾes/

nounB1general
Use 'investigadores' for people who conduct research or analyze data to uncover facts, which can include scientists, academics, or even those looking into a complex problem beyond just criminal activity.
Two scientists in white lab coats looking through a large magnifying glass at a colorful plant.

Examples

Los investigadores están analizando los resultados del experimento.

The researchers are analyzing the results of the experiment.

Dos investigadores privados llegaron a la escena.

Two private investigators arrived at the scene.

Los investigadores de la universidad publicaron un nuevo libro.

The university researchers published a new book.

Making it plural

This is the plural form of 'investigador'. Because the word ends in a consonant, we add '-es' to make it plural.

Gender in groups

In Spanish, if a group of researchers has at least one man, or is mixed, we use the masculine plural 'investigadores'. If the group is only women, use 'investigadoras'.

Not just for science

Mistake: “Only using it for laboratory work.”

Correction: Use it for anyone who searches for facts, including police and journalists.

Crime vs. Research

The most common mistake is using 'investigadores' when the context is strictly about solving crimes. While 'investigadores' can sometimes apply, 'detectives' is the more precise and common term for law enforcement or private investigators working on criminal cases.

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