Inklingo

How to Say "information" in Spanish

English → Spanish

información

nounA1general
Use 'información' when you need general facts, data, or knowledge about a subject, similar to the broad English meaning.

Examples

Necesito más información, por favor.

I need more information, please.

dato

DAH-tohˈda.to

nounB1general
Use 'dato' when referring to a single piece of factual information, a specific data point, or a fact that contributes to a larger body of knowledge.
A glowing blue computer chip with light pulses traveling through circuits, representing digital data.

Examples

Tengo muchos datos sobre este tema.

I have a lot of data/information about this topic.

¿Me puedes dar tu número de teléfono? Es un dato importante.

Can you give me your phone number? It's an important piece of information.

Los científicos analizaron los datos del experimento.

The scientists analyzed the data from the experiment.

Always masculine, even when referring to feminine concepts

In Spanish, 'dato' is always masculine. You say 'el dato' never 'la dato,' even when the information is about a woman.

Confusing 'dato' with 'data' in English

Mistake: “Using 'data' in Spanish sentences”

Correction: Use 'dato' (singular) or 'datos' (plural) in Spanish: 'Los datos están protegidos' (The data is protected), not 'Los data están protegidos.'

informes

in-FOR-mehsinˈfoɾmes

nounA2formal
Use 'informes' when you are talking about compiled data, findings, or official documents, like a report or a set of records.
A tall, neat stack of official-looking documents and folders, representing reports, sitting on a clean wooden desk.

Examples

Necesito los informes financieros antes de la reunión.

I need the financial reports before the meeting.

Los informes meteorológicos predicen lluvia para mañana.

The weather reports predict rain for tomorrow.

Hemos recibido informes de varios testigos sobre el accidente.

We have received accounts from several witnesses about the accident.

Plural Form

This is the simple plural form of the masculine noun 'informe' (report). Remember to use the masculine plural article 'los' before it.

General vs. Specific Information

Learners often confuse 'información' and 'dato'. Remember that 'información' is the general, all-purpose word for information. 'Dato' is for a specific piece of data or a fact. Think of 'información' as the whole library and 'dato' as a single book or fact within it.

Related Translations

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