How to Say "inspection" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “inspection” is “control” — use 'control' for formal examinations, especially in security contexts like airports or border crossings.
control
kon-trolkonˈtɾol
Examples
Tengo que pasar por el control de seguridad en el aeropuerto.
I have to go through the security check at the airport.
La policía montó un control en la carretera.
The police set up a checkpoint on the highway.
El médico me recomendó un control anual.
The doctor recommended an annual check-up.
revisión
Examples
¿Cuándo le toca la revisión al coche?
When is the car due for its inspection/service?
inspección
Examples
El edificio necesita una inspección de seguridad.
The building needs a safety inspection.
chequeo
che-KE-oht͡ʃeˈkeo
Examples
El mecánico le hizo un chequeo rápido al motor.
The mechanic did a quick check on the engine.
Hay un chequeo de seguridad antes de entrar al estadio.
There is a security screening before entering the stadium.
El sistema realiza un chequeo automático cada noche.
The system performs an automatic check every night.
Following with 'de'
To specify what kind of check it is, follow 'chequeo' with the word 'de' and the category (e.g., chequeo de maletas).
Check vs. Chequeo
Mistake: “Hacer un check.”
Correction: Hacer un chequeo. While English uses the short word 'check', Spanish adds the '-eo' ending to turn the action into a noun.
registro
reh-HEES-trohreˈxistɾo
Examples
La policía obtuvo una orden para realizar un registro en el apartamento.
The police obtained a warrant to carry out a search of the apartment.
Tuvimos que pasar por un registro de seguridad muy estricto.
We had to go through a very strict security inspection.
Search vs. Look for
Mistake: “Using 'búsqueda' (search, general) when talking about a police raid.”
Correction: 'Registro' is specifically used for official or security searches of a location or person.
revista
reh-VEES-tahreˈβista
Examples
El director ordenó una revista de seguridad de todas las instalaciones.
The director ordered a security inspection of all the facilities.
Hicimos la revista de las cuentas antes de la reunión anual.
We did the review of the accounts before the annual meeting.
Action vs. Object
This definition refers to the act of checking something. If you use it with the verb 'hacer' (to do/make), it means 'to perform an inspection'.
reconocimiento
reh-koh-noh-see-mee-EN-tohre.ko.no.siˈmjento
Examples
El médico ordenó un reconocimiento completo de los pulmones.
The doctor ordered a complete examination of the lungs.
Enviaron un dron para hacer un reconocimiento del terreno antes de avanzar.
They sent a drone for reconnaissance of the terrain before advancing.
Routine Check-up
Mistake: “Using 'chequeo' alone for a full physical.”
Correction: The most professional and common way to refer to a full physical exam is 'reconocimiento médico' or 'chequeo médico.'
visita
bee-SEE-tahbiˈsi.ta
Examples
Tuvimos una visita muy agradable a la casa de la abuela.
We had a very pleasant visit to Grandma's house.
La visita al médico es mañana por la mañana.
The doctor's visit is tomorrow morning.
Use of 'Hacer'
To talk about performing a visit, Spanish often uses 'hacer una visita' (to make a visit) instead of just 'tener una visita' (to have a visit).
Control vs. Inspección vs. Revisión
Related Translations
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