Inklingo

How to Say "finds out" in Spanish

English → Spanish

averigua

ah-veh-REE-gwah/a.βeˈɾi.ɣwa/

VerbA2General
Use 'averigua' when someone actively seeks to learn or confirm a piece of information, often through investigation or questioning.
A cartoon detective character, wearing a trench coat, looks through a large magnifying glass at a single, clear footprint on the ground, indicating discovery.

Examples

El detective averigua quién cometió el crimen.

The detective finds out who committed the crime.

Ella siempre averigua la verdad antes de decidir.

She always finds out the truth before deciding.

Tú, averigua qué pasó con el pedido perdido.

You (informal), find out what happened with the lost order.

El detective averigua todos los detalles del caso.

The detective investigates all the details of the case.

Dual Role of 'Averigua'

This single form is used in two ways: 1) As a statement about a third person ('He/She finds out'). 2) To give an informal, direct command ('Tú: Find out!').

Pronouncing the 'U'

In 'averigua', the 'u' is always pronounced, creating a 'gwah' sound at the end, unlike words like 'guitarra' where the 'u' is silent.

Confusing Command Levels

Mistake: “Using 'averigua' when talking formally to an adult you don't know well.”

Correction: For formal commands (Usted), you must use 'averigüe' (with the spelling change). 'Averigua' is only for informal situations.

descubre

/des-KOO-breh//desˈkuβɾe/

VerbA2General
Use 'descubre' when someone learns a fact, secret, or truth, especially if it comes as a revelation or surprise, rather than through direct investigation.
A young explorer kneeling and pointing excitedly at a small, sparkling treasure they just found partially hidden in the dirt.

Examples

Ella descubre que su amigo le ha estado mintiendo.

She finds out that her friend has been lying to her.

Ella descubre la solución al problema en el último minuto.

She discovers the solution to the problem at the last minute.

Usted descubre que hablar español es más fácil de lo que pensaba.

You (formal) find out that speaking Spanish is easier than you thought.

El museo descubre un nuevo mural antiguo.

The museum uncovers a new ancient mural.

Present Tense Uses

This form describes an action happening now, a habitual action, or a future action that is guaranteed to happen soon ('Mañana descubre la verdad').

Investigation vs. Revelation

Learners often confuse 'averigua' and 'descubre' by not distinguishing between active seeking and passive learning. 'Averigua' implies effort to obtain information, while 'descubre' suggests coming upon it, sometimes unexpectedly.

Related Translations

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