Inklingo

How to Say "inquiry" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pregunta

/pre-GOON-tah//pɾeˈɣun.ta/

NounA1Formal
Use 'pregunta' when you are making a direct, often formal, request for information or asking a question in a general context.
A small, curious child with a thoughtful expression looking up at a large, wise owl, symbolizing the act of forming or having a question.

Examples

Tengo una pregunta para la profesora.

I have a question for the teacher.

La pregunta del examen era muy difícil.

The exam question was very difficult.

Esa es una buena pregunta; necesito pensar en la respuesta.

That's a good question; I need to think about the answer.

Making a Question

In Spanish, you don't 'ask' a question with a single verb. Instead, you 'make' one. The most common phrase is 'hacer una pregunta'.

Confusing 'pregunta' and 'cuestión'

Mistake: “Tengo una cuestión: ¿dónde está el baño?”

Correction: Tengo una pregunta: ¿dónde está el baño? Use 'pregunta' for a direct question. 'Cuestión' is more like an 'issue' or 'matter' to be discussed, e.g., 'la cuestión del medio ambiente' (the issue of the environment).

consulta

/kohn-SOOL-tah//konˈsulta/

NounB1Formal
Use 'consulta' when referring to a formal or technical request for information, especially in databases, research, or professional settings.
A storybook illustration showing a simplified figure holding a large magnifying glass and closely examining details on an open, oversized book, symbolizing a search for information.

Examples

La base de datos permite hasta 50 consultas por minuto.

The database allows up to 50 queries per minute.

Enviamos una consulta al departamento legal sobre el nuevo contrato.

We sent an inquiry to the legal department about the new contract.

Formal Usage

This meaning of 'consulta' is often used in written or official communications, meaning 'a formal question' or 'a data request.' It feels more official than 'pregunta'.

Choosing between 'pregunta' and 'consulta'

Learners often confuse 'pregunta' and 'consulta' by using 'pregunta' for technical data requests. Remember that 'consulta' is specifically for systematic information requests, like database queries, while 'pregunta' is a more general term for asking a question.

Related Translations

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