Inklingo

How to Say "examination" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “examination” is “análisis” — use this when referring to a detailed review of data, especially in a scientific, medical, or technical context, like a lab test..

English → Spanish

análisis

nounB1general
Use this when referring to a detailed review of data, especially in a scientific, medical, or technical context, like a lab test.

Examples

El doctor pidió un análisis de sangre urgente.

The doctor ordered an urgent blood test.

inspección

nounB1general
Choose this word for a thorough physical check or review of something's condition or compliance, like a building or a product.

Examples

El edificio necesita una inspección de seguridad.

The building needs a safety inspection.

interrogatorio

/in-teh-roh-gah-TOH-ryoh//inteɾoɣaˈtoɾjo/

nounB2formal
This is the correct term for a formal questioning or interrogation, typically in legal, police, or parliamentary settings.
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.

Examples

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.

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.

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.

discusión

nounC1academic
Use this when referring to a detailed discussion or review of findings, results, or complex topics, often found in academic or research papers.

Examples

El último capítulo contiene la discusión de los resultados de la investigación.

The final chapter contains the analysis of the research results.

Análisis vs. Discusión

Learners often confuse 'análisis' and 'discusión'. Remember that 'análisis' is more about breaking down data or a substance (like a blood test), while 'discusión' refers to the interpretation and examination of results or topics in a broader sense, often in academic writing.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.